[Vitamin D deficiency: positioning of the Medical Nutrition Research Unit]

As part of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Medical Research Unit in Nutrition (UIMN), we have prepared this manuscript with the main objective to disseminate updated information of vitamin D topic. Given that vitamin D deficiency is a nutritional issue in Mexico and worldwide, we consider it relevant to establish a preventive stance that may be useful for health professionals and society in general. The Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), as the most renowned institution for health care and social protection of Mexicans, reaffirms its commitment to communicate the findings made by its researchers and academics for the benefit of its members. In this document, we provide an updated review of the most significant topics addressed by the scientific community regarding the study of vitamin D, and we propose specific recommendations related to dietary intake, the issue of sun exposure with an emphasis on skin health, updated information on the use of sunscreen, and a section on vitamin D3 supplementation. Finally, we suggest some key recommendations that could help improve the nutritional status of this vitamin, which is utterly important at different stages of life and has numerous biological functions in the body.