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Vitamin D for health: a global perspective
Arash Hossein-nezhad1, Michael F Holick
1Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Diabetes, Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|June 25, 2013
Summary
Vitamin D deficiency is a global issue impacting bone health and various diseases. Optimizing vitamin D levels through diet, supplements, or sun exposure may offer significant health benefits for all ages.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread global health concern.
- Skepticism exists regarding vitamin D's non-skeletal health benefits due to limited randomized controlled trials.
- Challenges persist in defining vitamin D deficiency and achieving optimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current understanding of vitamin D deficiency.
- To explore methods for achieving optimal vitamin D status.
- To examine the potential mechanisms behind vitamin D's wide-ranging health effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of English-language studies up to April 1, 2013.
- Databases searched include PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.
- Search terms: "vitamin D" and "supplementation".
Main Results:
- Vitamin D deficiency affects musculoskeletal health and numerous acute/chronic diseases.
- Potential mechanisms for broad health benefits include epigenetic and gene regulation effects.
- Increasing vitamin D status may improve musculoskeletal health and reduce risks of chronic illnesses.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a significant worldwide health problem.
- Optimizing vitamin D levels holds promise for improving public health across the lifespan.
- Further research is warranted to solidify the evidence base for vitamin D's non-skeletal benefits.
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