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Vitamin D: non-skeletal actions and rational use
Arnaldo Lichtenstein1, Mario Ferreira-Júnior, Maria Mirtes Sales
1Serviço de Clínica Geral e Propedêutica, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Summary
Vitamin D testing has surged globally. This review examines vitamin D
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Global increase in serum vitamin D testing.
- Significant rise observed at Hospital das Clínicas (700% in 4 years).
- Existing literature controversies regarding vitamin D's non-musculoskeletal roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- Review vitamin D metabolism, sources, and actions.
- Investigate vitamin D's association with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and falls.
- Highlight and discuss controversial aspects of vitamin D's effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature search for observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
- Focused search on vitamin D's relationship with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and falls.
- Analysis and discussion of gathered evidence.
Main Results:
- Evidence presented through Q&A, tables, and a figure.
- Discussion of vitamin D's role in various non-musculoskeletal conditions.
- Emphasis on controversial findings and areas of debate.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D's complex role beyond bone health requires further investigation.
- Controversies persist regarding its impact on chronic diseases and aging.
- Need for continued research to clarify vitamin D's broader health implications.
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