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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
Vitamin D and aging: beyond calcium and bone metabolism
Faustino R Pérez-López1, Peter Chedraui, Ana M Fernández-Alonso
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Clínico, Zaragoza, Spain. faustino.perez@unizar.es
Background:
Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels are common and may be associated with morbidity and mortality (and indeed with frailty more generally). This association is not restricted to the links between vitamin D and calcium and bone metabolism.
Objective:
To review the influences of vitamin D on the aging process other than those related to bone and calcium. Its effect on mortality is also assessed.
Methods:
The PubMed database was searched for English-language articles relating to vitamin D, using the following MeSH terms: vitamin D, mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and frailty. In addition, searches were carried out with Google.
Results:
Although some of the reported results have proved controversial, overall the evidence seems to support an association between low serum 25[OH]D levels and mortality rates (all-cause and cardiovascular). Frailty is a condition frequently associated with low serum 25[OH]D levels.
Conclusion:
The aging process and mortality are associated with low vitamin D levels. Prospective controlled trials are warranted to determine whether vitamin D supplements can increase longevity and reduce the incidence of certain conditions.
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