Roles of Vitamin D
Vitamin D has been recognized for a long time for its role in bone development and maintenance. However, advances in research indicate that the benefits of this liposoluble vitamin go beyond bone metabolism.
Although studies on this topic are just beginning, there is evidence that vitamin D may also contribute to the prevention of:
- Multiple sclerosis1,
- Type 1 diabetes2,3,
- Rheumatoid arthritis4,
- Osteoporosis5,
- Certain types of cancer2,6,
- Hypertension7-9,
- Problems with musculoskeletal function10,11.
Considered in the past as a simple protection measure against rickets, vitamin D is now recognized as an essential part of overall good health.12 Not only does it help maintain serum calcium concentrations within a normal interval, but it also provides benefits that go beyond bone metabolism.
It has been shown that vitamin D interacts with the nuclear receptors in a variety of cells, such as those in1:
- The small intestine,
- The colon,
- Bones,
- Activated B and T lymphocytes,
- The beta cells of pancreatic islets,
- Most organs.
References
- Munger K et al. Vitamin D intake and incidence of multiple sclerosis. Neurology 2004;62:60–65.
- Holick M. High prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and implications for health. Mayo Clin Proc 2006;81:353–373.
- Scragg R et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, diabetes and ethnicity in the Third Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Diabetes Care 2004;27:2813–2818.
- Merlino L et al. Vitamin D intake is inversely associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2004;50:72–77.
- Lips P et al. Vitamin D supplementation and fracture incidence in elderly persons. Ann Intern Med 1996;124:400–406.
- Hewison M et al. Vitamin D and barrier function: a novel role for extra-renal 1α-hydroxylase. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2004;215:31–38.
- Sigmund CD. Regulation of renin expression and blood pressure by vitamin D3. J Clin Invest 2002;110:155–156.
- Zittermann A et al. Putting cardiovascular disease and vitamin D insufficiency into perspective. Br J Nutr 2005;94:483–492.
- Sutton A and Macdonald P. Vitamin D: more than a “bone-a-fide” hormone. Mol Endocrinol 2003;17:777–791.
- Houghton L and Vieth R. The case against ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) as a vitamin supplement. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:694–697.
- Calvo M et al. Vitamin D fortification in the United States and Canada: current status and data needs. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80(suppl):1710S–1716S.
- Anthony M. Nutrition beyond the trends: D is for denial. 2005:
Keywords: vitamin D
Spotlight on Nutrition
Review the beneficial effects of vitamin D on both bone health and many chronic disorders.
Download the PDFNutrients in Milk Products Keywords
Related Articles
-
Expert Summary: Vitamin D Requirements
Although Canadians rely on diet and/or supplements to help maintain proper vitamin D status, our intake of vitamin D does not meet current recommendations. Theoretically, vitamin D needs could be met by skin synthesis. However, environmental factors during winter and sunscreen use in...
Continue reading -
Vitamins D3 and D2
Milk is fortified with vitamin D3 (or cholecalciferol). This form of vitamin D is considered the most effective in humans. Studies have shown that vitamin D3 is twice as effective as vitamin D2 in increasing and maintaining serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.1,2 In fact, the...
Continue reading
