Vitamin D in the new millennium.

Abstract

The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is rising worldwide, yet in the vast majority of patients, the condition remains undiagnosed and untreated. Current evidence overwhelmingly indicates that supplemental doses greater than 800 IU/day have beneficial effects on the musculoskeletal system, improving skeletal homeostasis, thus leading to fewer falls and fractures. Evidence is also accumulating on the beneficial effects of vitamin D on extraskeletal systems, such as improving immune health, autoimmune disorders, cancer, neuromodulation, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The cause-effect relationship of vitamin D deficiency with increasing incidences of nonskeletal disorders is being investigated. Published reports support the definition of sufficiency, serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] greater than 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L). To achieve this, most people need vitamin D supplementation ranging from 600 to 2000 IU/day; consumption up to of 5000 international units (IU) per day of vitamin D is reported as safe. Although light-skinned individuals need 1000 IU/day of vitamin D, elderly and dark-skinned individuals are likely to need approximately 2000 IU/day to maintain serum 25(OH)D levels greater than 30 ng/mL. Other vulnerable patients, such as the obese, those who have undergone bariatric surgery, and those with gastrointestinal malabsorption syndromes, may require higher doses of vitamin D to maintain normal serum levels and be healthy.

• Authors: Sunil J Wimalawansa
• Journal: Current osteoporosis reports (Curr Osteoporos Rep) Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 4-15 (Mar 2012) ISSN: 1544-2241 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22249582 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Bone Density Conservation Agents
• Vitamin D
• 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2

Topics

• 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 2 (blood, deficiency)
• Bone Density
• Bone Density Conservation Agents (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Nutrition Policy
• Prevalence
• Vitamin D (administration & dosage)
• Vitamin D Deficiency (drug therapy, epidemiology, physiopathology)