Interaction with the immune system is one of the most well-established nonclassic effects of vitamin D. For many years this was considered to be a manifestation of granulomatous diseases such…
Vitamin D physiology has gained more importance and publicity than any of its counterparts in the water- and fat-soluble vitamin groups combined. This is partly because vitamin D deficiency is…
This article discusses the amount of vitamin D supplementation needed and the desirable 25-hydroxyvitamin D level to be achieved for optimal fracture prevention. Vitamin D modulates fracture risk in 2…
Two rare genetic diseases can cause rickets in children. The critical enzyme to synthesize calcitriol from 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the circulating hormone precursor, is 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-hydroxylase). When this enzyme is…
Vitamin D is obtained from cutaneous production when 7-dehydrocholesterol is converted to vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol) by ultraviolet B radiation or by oral intake of vitamin D 2 (ergocalciferol) and…
Osteomalacia is an end-stage bone disease of chronic and severe vitamin D or phosphate depletion of any cause. Its importance has increased because of the rising incidence of vitamin D…
The mother is the major source of circulating 25-OHD concentrations in the young infant. Thus maternal vitamin D status is an important factor in determining the vitamin D status of…
The unique cis -triene structure of vitamin D and related metabolites makes it susceptible to oxidation, ultraviolet (UV) light-induced conformational changes, heat-induced conformational changes, and attacks by free radicals. Vitamin…
The actions of the vitamin D hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ) are mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a ligand-activated transcription factor that functions to…
The biologically active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , affects mineral homeostasis and has numerous other diverse physiologic functions including effects on growth of cancer cells and…
