Re-evaluating the role of vitamin D in the periodontium

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Periodontology

Background:

• Vitamin D is essential for skeletal health through calcium regulation.
• Emerging evidence highlights vitamin D's nonskeletal roles in various cell types and chronic diseases.
• Vitamin D insufficiency is a global health concern linked to numerous chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the established skeletal functions of vitamin D.
• To explore the emerging nonskeletal functions of vitamin D.
• To investigate the role of vitamin D in periodontal health and wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of skeletal and nonskeletal functions of vitamin D.
• Analysis of studies linking vitamin D levels to periodontal health.
• Examination of vitamin D's impact on host immune response components.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D regulates calcium for skeletal health and is linked to bone mineral density.
• Nonskeletal functions involve various cells, including immune cells.
• Low vitamin D levels correlate with increased gingival inflammation and periodontal disease risk.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D plays a role beyond skeletal health, impacting immune responses.
• Sufficient vitamin D levels are important for maintaining periodontal health.
• Further research into vitamin D's role in periodontal wound healing is warranted.