Vitamin D effects on musculoskeletal health, immunity, autoimmunity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, fertility, pregnancy, dementia and mortality-a review of recent evidence.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Optimal vitamin D intake and its status are important not only for bone and calcium-phosphate metabolism, but also for overall health and well-being. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency as a global health problem are likely to be a risk for wide spectrum of acute and chronic illnesses.

METHODS:

A review of randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and other evidence of vitamin D action on various health outcomes.

RESULTS:

Adequate vitamin D status seems to be protective against musculoskeletal disorders (muscle weakness, falls, fractures), infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, several types of cancer, neurocognitive dysfunction and mental illness, and other diseases, as well as infertility and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is associated with all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adequate vitamin D supplementation and sensible sunlight exposure to reach optimal vitamin D status are among the front line factors of prophylaxis for the spectrum of disorders. Supplementation guidance and population strategies for the eradication of vitamin D deficiency must be included in the priorities of physicians, medical professionals and healthcare policy-makers.

• Authors: Pawel Pludowski, Michael F Holick, Stefan Pilz, Carol L Wagner, Bruce W Hollis, William B Grant, Yehuda Shoenfeld, Elisabeth Lerchbaum, David J Llewellyn, Katharina Kienreich, Maya Soni
• Journal: Autoimmunity reviews (Autoimmun Rev) Vol. 12 Issue 10 Pg. 976-89 (Aug 2013) ISSN: 1873-0183 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 23542507 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Vitamins
• Vitamin D
• Calcium

Topics

• Calcium (therapeutic use)
• Dietary Supplements
• Female
• Global Health
• Humans
• Pregnancy
• Vitamin D (adverse effects, physiology, therapeutic use)
• Vitamin D Deficiency (complications, drug therapy, mortality, physiopathology)
• Vitamins (adverse effects, physiology, therapeutic use)