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JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Apr 2024Menopause is the transition period in female life cycle. Resultant hormonal changes lead to adverse health effects. Women may seek treatment due to significant... (Review)
Review
Menopause is the transition period in female life cycle. Resultant hormonal changes lead to adverse health effects. Women may seek treatment due to significant impairment in quality of life. Vitamin D deficiency is a globally prevalent problem. Vitamin D deficiency in menopausal women may aggravate the adverse health risks associated with menopause. In this article, the authors discuss endocrinology and clinical features of menopause, Vitamin D and its links with menopause, and the potential role of Vitamin D supplementation to combat detrimental multi-organ system effects of menopause.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dietary Supplements; Menopause; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 38751288
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.24-27 -
Current Vascular Pharmacology 2021Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a potential risk factor for a number of... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been identified as a potential risk factor for a number of diseases unrelated to the classical skeletal pathophysiology, such as cancer and CVD, but the effects of vitamin D supplementation are less clear. Purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the evidence suggesting an association between vitamin D status and CVD as well as the results of supplementation studies. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with CVD risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus as well as with cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke and heart failure. While vitamin D deficiency might contribute to the development of CVD through its association with risk factors, direct effects of vitamin D on the cardiovascular system may also be involved. Vitamin D receptors are expressed in a variety of tissues, including cardiomyocytes, vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Moreover, vitamin D has been shown to affect inflammation, cell proliferation and differentiation. While observational studies support an association between low plasma vitamin D levels and increased risk of CVD, Mendelian randomization studies do not support a causal association between the two. At present, high quality randomized trials do not find evidence of significant effects on CVD endpoints and do not support supplementation of vitamin D to decrease CVD events.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Heart Disease Risk Factors; Humans; Prognosis; Receptors, Calcitriol; Risk Assessment; Signal Transduction; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 32183681
DOI: 10.2174/1570161118666200317151955 -
Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology &... Apr 2023Rickets is the disease of a growing skeleton and results from impaired apoptosis of hypertrophic chondrocytes and mineralization of the growth plate. Nutritionally... (Review)
Review
Rickets is the disease of a growing skeleton and results from impaired apoptosis of hypertrophic chondrocytes and mineralization of the growth plate. Nutritionally induced rickets, secondary to vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency, remains a major global problem. In this review, we discuss pathogenesis, clinical signs, investigation and management of nutritional rickets.
Topics: Humans; Rickets; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Malnutrition; Vitamin D Deficiency; Calcium
PubMed: 36843296
DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2023-0051 -
Best Practice & Research. Clinical... Mar 2024Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin (cholecalciferol) by sun exposure while a fraction of it is obtained from dietary sources (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D is further... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D is mainly produced in the skin (cholecalciferol) by sun exposure while a fraction of it is obtained from dietary sources (ergocalciferol). Vitamin D is further processed to 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (calcitriol) in the liver and kidneys, respectively. Calcitriol is the active form which mediates the actions of vitamin D via vitamin D receptor (VDR) which is present ubiquitously. Defect at any level in this pathway leads to vitamin D deficient or resistant rickets. Nutritional vitamin D deficiency is the leading cause of rickets and osteomalacia worldwide and responds well to vitamin D supplementation. Inherited disorders of vitamin D metabolism (vitamin D-dependent rickets, VDDR) account for a small proportion of calcipenic rickets/osteomalacia. Defective 1α hydroxylation of vitamin D, 25 hydroxylation of vitamin D, and vitamin D receptor result in VDDR1A, VDDR1B and VDDR2A, respectively whereas defective binding of vitamin D to vitamin D response element due to overexpression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein and accelerated vitamin D metabolism cause VDDR2B and VDDR3, respectively. Impaired dietary calcium absorption and consequent calcium deficiency increases parathyroid hormone in these disorders resulting in phosphaturia and hypophosphatemia. Hypophosphatemia is a common feature of all these disorders, though not a sine-qua-non and leads to hypomineralisation of the bone and myopathy. Improvement in hypophosphatemia is one of the earliest markers of response to vitamin D supplementation in nutritional rickets/osteomalacia and the lack of such a response should prompt evaluation for inherited forms of rickets/osteomalacia.
Topics: Humans; Calcitriol; Receptors, Calcitriol; Osteomalacia; Vitamin D Deficiency; Familial Hypophosphatemic Rickets; Rickets; Vitamin D; Vitamins
PubMed: 38365463
DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2024.101876 -
Nursing Standard (Royal College of... Aug 2023Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among various groups in the UK, and can result from insufficient sunlight exposure and dietary intake. There is a population-wide...
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among various groups in the UK, and can result from insufficient sunlight exposure and dietary intake. There is a population-wide recommendation of 10 micrograms (400 international units) of vitamin D per day, with a daily supplement advised. However, supplement use is often suboptimal, compounding the risk of deficiency. Long-term vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. Therefore, it is important that nurses recognise which groups are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and understand how to assess people's vitamin D status. Nurses also need to be able to support the prevention and treatment of low vitamin D levels, which typically involves supplementation and lifestyle changes.
Topics: Child; Adult; Humans; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamin D; Rickets; Vitamins; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37519156
DOI: 10.7748/ns.2023.e12136 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with worse outcome in respiratory tract infections, with conflicting opinions regarding its role in Coronavirus-19 disease...
Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with worse outcome in respiratory tract infections, with conflicting opinions regarding its role in Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19). Our study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between 25-OH vitamin D (25OHD) values and the following conditions in patients hospitalized for COVID-19: prognosis, mortality, invasive (IV) and non-invasive (NIV) mechanical ventilation, and orotracheal intubation (OTI). A further objective was the analysis of a possible positive effect of supplementation with calcifediol on COVID-19 severity and prognosis. We analyzed 288 patients hospitalized at the San Giovanni di Dio Hospital in Florence and the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital in Siena, from November 2020 to February 2021. The 25OHD levels correlated positively with the partial pressure of oxygen and FiO2 (PaO2/FiO2) ratio (r = 0.17; < 0.05). Furthermore, when we analyzed the patients according to the type of respiratory support, we found that 25OHD levels were markedly reduced in patients who underwent non-invasive ventilation and orotracheal intubation (OTI). The evaluation of the length of hospitalization in our population evidenced a longer duration of hospitalization in patients with severe 25OHD deficiency (<10 ng/mL). Moreover, we found a statistically significant difference in the mortality rate between patients who had 25OHD levels below 10 ng/mL and those with levels above this threshold in the total population (50.8% vs. 25.5%, = 0.005), as well as between patients with 25OHD levels below 20 ng/mL and those with levels above that threshold (38.4% vs. 24.6%, = 0.04). Moreover, COVID-19 patients supplemented with calcifediol presented a significantly reduced length of hospitalization ( < 0.05). Interestingly, when we analyzed the possible effects of calcifediol on mortality rate in patients with COVID-19, we found that the percentage of deaths was significantly higher in patients who did not receive any supplementation than in those who were treated with calcifediol ( < 0.05) In conclusion, we have demonstrated with our study the best prognosis of COVID-19 patients with adequate vitamin D levels and patients treated with calcifediol supplementation.
Topics: Humans; Calcifediol; COVID-19; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Vitamin D Deficiency; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 37571329
DOI: 10.3390/nu15153392 -
Expert Review of Endocrinology &... 2023Vitamin D deficiency affects from 10% to 50% in various pediatric population groups and causes life-threatening hypocalcemia in infants, crippling rickets in infants and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vitamin D deficiency affects from 10% to 50% in various pediatric population groups and causes life-threatening hypocalcemia in infants, crippling rickets in infants and children, and increased risk of subsequent adult metabolic and neurologic problems.
AREAS COVERED
An English language literature search of PubMed was performed since 1940 as were the authors' personal literature collections. References identified in the reviewed literature are considered.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency is based on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Clinical features of rickets include bone deformities and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Most children and adolescents who are biochemically vitamin D deficient do not have specific symptoms or signs of deficiency.
PREVENTION
Prevention of vitamin D deficiency is via exposure to sunshine, food and beverage fortification, and dietary supplementation.
TREATMENT
Effective treatment of vitamin D deficiency is via oral or injectable administration of vitamin D. Dosing and duration of vitamin D therapy have been described for healthy children and for children with underlying medical conditions, but recommendations vary.
EXPERT OPINION
Further investigation is needed to determine long-term non-skeletal effects of childhood vitamin D deficiency, benefits of supplementation in asymptomatic individuals with biochemical vitamin D deficiency, and appropriate screening for vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic children and adolescents.
Topics: Infant; Adolescent; Child; Humans; Vitamin D Deficiency; Rickets; Vitamin D; Hypocalcemia; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37861060
DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2270053 -
Nutrients Aug 2022The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has already killed more than 6 million people around the world. A growing body of epidemiological evidence suggests that low...
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has already killed more than 6 million people around the world. A growing body of epidemiological evidence suggests that low 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH-vitamin D) plasma levels are associated with an increased risk of developing COVID-19 and -most importantly-with a higher risk of developing more severe COVID-19 and dying. On the other hand, vitamin D supplementation during the early phases of COVID-19 has been related to a decreased length of hospital stay, less frequent need for oxygen, and a reduced mortality rate in inpatients. This seems to be particularly true when high dosages are used. In light of this evidence, further studies are needed to define the best timing for vitamin D supplementation and the most effective dosage schedule.
Topics: COVID-19; Dietary Supplements; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 36079842
DOI: 10.3390/nu14173584 -
BMC Pediatrics Sep 2021We looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in infancy for reducing vitamin D deficiency and for... (Review)
Review
We looked at existing recommendations and supporting evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in infancy for reducing vitamin D deficiency and for preventing rickets and infections. We also looked at optimal dose of vitamin D and the age until which vitamin D supplementation is beneficial.We conducted a literature search up to the 17th of July 2019 by using key terms and manual search in selected sources. We summarized the recommendations and the strength of the recommendation when and as reported by the authors. We summarized the main findings of systematic reviews with the certainty of the evidence as reported.A daily dose of 400 international units of vitamin D in infants has shown to be effective for improving bone health and preventing rickets. Evidence is more robust in groups of infants and children at risk. Vitamin D supplementation is well tolerated, and not associated with toxicity. Higher doses have not shown to add benefit while it could potentially cause toxic blood levels and hypercalcemia. Adequate levels of vitamin D might not be achieved with lower daily doses. Universal vitamin D supplementation starting shortly after birth, regardless of the mode of feeding and until 12 months of age, is strongly recommended. Beyond 12 months of age vitamin D supplementation is recommended only in groups of children at risk.
Topics: Child; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Infant; Rickets; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 34496802
DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02776-z -
Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official... Oct 2019Vitamin D deficiency is a common finding in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), despite routine supplementation. Hypovitaminosis D is often the result of fat... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D deficiency is a common finding in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), despite routine supplementation. Hypovitaminosis D is often the result of fat malabsorption, but other contributors include increased latitude, poor nutritional intake, decreased sun exposure, impaired hydroxylation of vitamin D, and non-adherence to the prescribed vitamin D regimen. Vitamin D is critical for calcium homeostasis and optimal skeletal health, and vitamin D deficiency in CF can lead to skeletal complications of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Over time, our understanding of treatment regimens for vitamin D deficiency in CF has evolved, leading to recommendations for higher doses of vitamin D to achieve target levels of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There is also some evidence that vitamin D deficiency may have non-skeletal consequences such as an increase in pulmonary exacerbations. The exact mechanisms involved in the non-skeletal complications of vitamin D deficiency are not clearly understood, but may involve the innate immune system. Future clinical studies are needed to help address whether vitamin D has a role in CF beyond skeletal health.
Topics: Cystic Fibrosis; Humans; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 31679731
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2019.08.022