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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).
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...
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...
Compounds Essential to Human Function01:25

Compounds Essential to Human Function

The human body is composed of cells that are fundamentally made up of several different molecules. These molecules are essential to carry out all physiological processes in the body and are broadly classified into organic and inorganic based on their chemical structures.
Inorganic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning
Inorganic compounds essential to human functioning include water, salts, acids, and bases. These compounds are inorganic, i.e., they do not have a carbon-hydrogen bond. Water...
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...
Essential Minerals for Bone Health01:31

Essential Minerals for Bone Health

The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and fluoride, largely affect bone health.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein
08:18

Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein

Published on: October 4, 2024

Vitamin D - from essentiality to functionality.

Heike Bischoff-Ferrari1

  • 1University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. Heike.Bischoff@usz.ch

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift Fur Vitamin- Und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International De Vitaminologie Et De Nutrition
|June 26, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Vitamin D is crucial for bone and muscle health. Current recommendations aim for at least 50 nmol/l of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to prevent deficiency, with higher levels needed for older adults.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein
08:18

Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein

Published on: October 4, 2024

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Bone Health
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Vitamin D is vital for skeletal and muscular integrity.
  • Severe deficiency (< 25 nmol/l 25-hydroxyvitamin D) leads to rickets, osteomalacia, myopathy, and increased fall risk.
  • A significant portion of the population may fall below the recommended vitamin D levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current recommendations for vitamin D status.
  • To highlight the importance of achieving adequate 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for preventing deficiency and optimizing health.
  • To emphasize the specific needs of older adults regarding vitamin D.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent vitamin D recommendations.
  • Analysis of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and their clinical implications.
  • Examination of recommended daily vitamin D intake.

Main Results:

  • A target of at least 50 nmol/l 25-hydroxyvitamin D is recommended for normal status in children and adults.
  • Current intake recommendations (600-800 IU/day) are projected to prevent deficiency in approximately 97% of the population.
  • Adults aged 65+ may require > 60 nmol/l 25-hydroxyvitamin D for optimal function and fall/fracture prevention.

Conclusions:

  • Achieving adequate vitamin D levels is essential for preventing bone and muscle-related disorders.
  • Current intake guidelines are largely effective but may need adjustment for specific populations, particularly the elderly.
  • Maintaining optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, especially in older adults, is key for functional independence and reducing fracture risk.