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Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Vitamins01:30

Vitamins

Vitamins, derived from the Latin word for life, are essential organic substances required in small quantities for optimal growth and overall well-being. Unlike other organic nutrients, vitamins don't act as sources of energy or building materials but rather facilitate these nutrients' utilization by the body. Vitamins are predominantly coenzymes, assisting enzymes in specific chemical actions, like the oxidation of glucose for energy involving B vitamins. Most vitamins are not produced in our...
Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption01:27

Mineral, Vitamin and Water Absorption

Electrolytes are essential minerals and ions primarily obtained from the diet and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the small intestine. While the absorption of iron and calcium primarily occurs in the duodenum, calcium is also absorbed in the jejunum and ileum. In these regions, passive diffusion contributes to its absorption alongside active transport mechanisms in the duodenum. These ions can exit the enterocytes through specialized active...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health01:31

Essential Minerals for Bone Health

The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

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Published on: December 9, 2015

Does vitamin D make the world go 'round'?

Carol L Wagner1, Sarah N Taylor, Bruce W Hollis

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Nutritional Research Center, Darby Children's Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. wagnercl@musc.edu

Breastfeeding Medicine : the Official Journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
|December 18, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Vitamin D is a crucial hormone impacting immunity and calcium balance, not just bone health. Deficiency is widespread and linked to chronic diseases, particularly in breastfed infants.

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Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

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Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
05:03

Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Published on: December 27, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D's role has expanded beyond calcium metabolism to include immune system integrity.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is a growing concern, linked to chronic inflammatory and long-latency diseases.
  • The late 20th century saw a rise in vitamin D deficiency, recognized as a widespread nutrient deficit.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving understanding of vitamin D's functions.
  • To examine the link between vitamin D deficiency and various chronic diseases.
  • To address vitamin D requirements in breastfeeding mothers and infants, highlighting risks and solutions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review tracing the historical perspective of vitamin D research.
  • Analysis of the association between vitamin D status and immune function.
  • Discussion of vitamin D needs in maternal and infant nutrition.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D is now understood as a complex hormone with systemic effects.
  • Deficiency is associated with increased risk of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cancers.
  • Breastfed infants are identified as a population at particular risk for vitamin D deficiency.

Conclusions:

  • The perception of vitamin D has shifted from a simple vitamin to a critical hormone.
  • Addressing vitamin D deficiency is essential for preventing chronic diseases and supporting immune health.
  • Specific strategies are needed to ensure adequate vitamin D intake for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.