Calcium and vitamin D in sarcoidosis: how to assess and manage

The synthesis of vitamin D is altered by the granulomatous inflammation of sarcoidosis leading to increased production of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Mounting evidence suggests that vitamin D is an immunomodulating hormone that inhibits both antigen presentation by cells of the innate immune system, and the cytokine release and proliferation of Th1 cells. These and other extraskeletal health benefits have led to an increase in vitamin D assessment and pharmacological supplementation in the general population. This review highlights the altered synthesis and general immunomodulating properties of vitamin D with a special emphasis on known interactions with sarcoidosis. In addition, the assessment of vitamin D nutritional status, its pharmacological supplementation, and the management of bone health in patients with sarcoidosis are reviewed.