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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...
Regulation of the Cardiovascular System01:27

Regulation of the Cardiovascular System

The regulation of the cardiovascular system allows the body to adapt to various demands and maintain homeostasis.
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...
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...
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...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body01:31

Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body

Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various  biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...

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Vitamin D and the cardiovascular system.

L A Beveridge1, M D Witham

  • 1Ageing and Health, Medical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK.

Osteoporosis International : a Journal Established As Result of Cooperation Between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA
|March 8, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D may benefit cardiovascular health through various pathways. However, current intervention studies show modest effects, and large trials are needed to confirm its role in preventing cardiovascular events.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Vitamin D, a secosteroid hormone, influences numerous biological pathways, including those relevant to cardiovascular health.
  • Observational studies link low vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D) to increased risks of stroke, myocardial infarction, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.
  • Potential confounding factors like reverse causality and other cardiovascular risk factors complicate observational findings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanistic, observational, and intervention data regarding vitamin D's role in cardiovascular health.
  • To assess the evidence for vitamin D's effects on blood pressure, lipids, glucose metabolism, arterial stiffness, and endothelial function.
  • To determine if current evidence supports vitamin D supplementation for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature, including observational studies (cross-sectional and longitudinal) and intervention trials.
  • Analysis of data from osteoporosis trials examining cardiovascular event rates with vitamin D supplementation.
  • Evaluation of vitamin D's impact on specific cardiovascular risk factors and pathways.

Main Results:

  • Observational data consistently suggests an association between low vitamin D and cardiovascular disease.
  • Intervention studies indicate a modest antihypertensive effect, no impact on lipids, and a small benefit for insulin resistance and glucose.
  • Analysis of osteoporosis trial data did not clearly show reduced cardiovascular events, potentially confounded by calcium co-administration and secondary analysis.

Conclusions:

  • Despite promising mechanistic and observational data, intervention studies have yielded less convincing results for vitamin D in cardiovascular disease prevention.
  • Current evidence does not strongly support vitamin D supplementation for cardiovascular health.
  • Large-scale randomized controlled trials with cardiovascular events as primary outcomes are necessary before recommending vitamin D therapy for cardiovascular disease.