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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).
Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible only with...
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Vaccinations

Overview
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Immunological Memory01:23

Immunological Memory

Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature is...
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.
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Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

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

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An update on vitamin D and human immunity.

Martin Hewison1

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 615 Charles E. Young Drive South,Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. mhewison@mednet.ucla.edu

Clinical Endocrinology
|October 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D offers significant health benefits beyond bone health, impacting immune and cardiovascular systems. Emerging research highlights its non-classical functions, crucial for overall well-being.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Immunology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D's classical role in mineral metabolism and bone health is well-established.
  • Recent focus has shifted to vitamin D's non-skeletal functions and widespread insufficiency.
  • Growing evidence links suboptimal vitamin D status to chronic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding vitamin D's non-classical health benefits.
  • To explore the immunomodulatory and anticancer effects of vitamin D.
  • To discuss challenges in translating these findings into clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature and observational studies.
  • In vitro and animal model studies examining vitamin D's effects.
  • Analysis of associations between vitamin D status and chronic health conditions.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D plays a significant role in skeletal homeostasis beyond preventing rickets.
  • Non-classical actions, particularly immunomodulatory and anticancer effects, are increasingly recognized.
  • These effects may be independent of traditional vitamin D endocrinology and sensitive to status variations.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D's influence extends to immune function and cancer prevention.
  • Localized vitamin D activation may mediate some non-classical effects.
  • Clinical application of these findings requires further research and validation.