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Journal of Environmental and Public... 2017Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in epidemic proportions. The purpose of this study was to acquire a baseline assessment and create awareness...
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent across all age groups in epidemic proportions. The purpose of this study was to acquire a baseline assessment and create awareness among medical students regarding vitamin D. A cross-sectional, voluntary survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students. Data were collected using a questionnaire which assessed the level of knowledge students had with regard to where vitamin D comes from, what it does for health, how much is recommended, factors that affect its levels, and deficiency management. Majority of students were unaware that vitamin D deficiency has attained epidemic proportions. Though bone and skeletal disorders as a complication of vitamin D deficiency were known, a large number were unaware of systemic consequences (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers). Only one-third of respondents were aware of duration and timing of sun exposure required for adequate serum vitamin D levels. However, we observed lack of awareness among students regarding the various biochemical forms, dose, and duration of vitamin D supplementation for treatment of nutritional deficiency. Our study highlighted a lack of knowledge about the importance of vitamin D, worldwide prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, and its management among medical students. Promoting vitamin D health awareness, if replicated across populations, could lead to positive health outcomes globally.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; India; Students, Medical; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 28473860
DOI: 10.1155/2017/2517207 -
Allergology International : Official... Apr 2019The season of birth and ultraviolet B exposure have been related to the occurrence of food allergy. The levels of vitamin D produced from skin by ultraviolet B exposure... (Review)
Review
The season of birth and ultraviolet B exposure have been related to the occurrence of food allergy. The levels of vitamin D produced from skin by ultraviolet B exposure might reflect this relationship. Vitamin D is known to induce antimicrobial peptides, protect intestinal flora, enhance the gut epithelial barrier, suppress mast cell activation and IgE synthesis from B cells, and increase the number of tolerogenic dendritic cells and IL-10-producing regulatory T cells. Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to exacerbate sensitization and allergic symptoms in a murine model of food allergy. However, in clinical situations, contradictory observations have been reported regarding the relationship between food allergy and vitamin D deficiency/supplementation. In this review, we have explored the links between food allergy and vitamin D levels. One explanation for the discrepant findings is confounding factors such as race, age, residency, skin color, and epigenetic changes that contribute to vitamin D levels. In addition, the season of birth influences the development of atopic dermatitis, which could lead to food sensitization. Finally, ultraviolet radiation could lead to regulatory T cell expansion and immunosuppression, irrespective of vitamin D status. Based on our current understanding, we believe that correction of vitamin D deficiency by supplementation, appropriate skin care, and sufficient ultraviolet radiation exposure could alter the prognosis of food allergy. To identify potential treatment strategies for food allergy, it is essential to gain a better understanding of the appropriate levels of vitamin D and ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Topics: Animals; Dietary Supplements; Food Hypersensitivity; Humans; Immunity, Mucosal; Intestinal Mucosa; Radiation Exposure; Seasons; Sunlight; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 30670337
DOI: 10.1016/j.alit.2018.12.003 -
Neurosciences (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) Oct 2015Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease, and its etiology remains unknown. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the possible... (Review)
Review
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease, and its etiology remains unknown. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the possible association between MS and vitamin D deficiency. Here, we review the current literature between MS and vitamin D, showing clear evidence that vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for MS despite the lack of direct evidence for the effects of vitamin D in MS progression.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Risk Factors; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 26492110
DOI: 10.17712/nsj.2015.4.20150357 -
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine Mar 2022Vitamin D supplementation is common in the United States, with about one-fifth of the adult population taking a daily supplement in one form or another. Although the... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D supplementation is common in the United States, with about one-fifth of the adult population taking a daily supplement in one form or another. Although the detrimental effects of insufficient sun exposure in childhood was established centuries ago, the beneficial effects of vitamin D sufficiency have only recently been established, given the myriad investigations associating vitamin D deficiency with numerous chronic diseases. But it is far less clear precisely how to replete low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels, how long treatment should be continued, if there are potential hazards in doing so, and how to assess and counsel patients regarding the use of vitamin D. This article provides a brief historical review, examines how to assess and counsel patients on the use of vitamin D, presents scenarios that clinicians are likely to encounter, and reviews the literature on recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.
Topics: Adult; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 35232828
DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.89a.21021 -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Dec 2020Vitamin D contributes to bone metabolism and acts as an immune modulator for both innate and adaptive immunity. The serum level of vitamin D has been associated with... (Review)
Review
Vitamin D contributes to bone metabolism and acts as an immune modulator for both innate and adaptive immunity. The serum level of vitamin D has been associated with inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In epidemiologic studies, IBD patients have been shown to have low levels of vitamin D. The suboptimal circulating levels of vitamin D in IBD patients may be caused by low exposure to sunlight, dietary malabsorption, and the impaired conversion of active metabolites (1,25[OH]D). Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in IBD can increase the chance of disease recurrence, IBD-related hospitalization or surgery, and deterioration of quality of life. Supplementation with vitamin D is therefore thought to reduce the risk of flare-ups and the improvement of the quality of life in IBD patients. This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on the effects of vitamin D deficiency on IBD and the possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation in IBD patients.
Topics: Colitis; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Quality of Life; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 33361704
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2020.160 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2022Vitamin D deficiency has long been associated with reduced immune function that can lead to viral infection. Several studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is...
Vitamin D deficiency has long been associated with reduced immune function that can lead to viral infection. Several studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increases the risk of infection with COVID-19. However, it is unknown if treatment with Vitamin D can reduce the associated risk of COVID-19 infection, which is the focus of this study. In the population of US veterans, we show that Vitamin D and D fills were associated with reductions in COVID-19 infection of 28% and 20%, respectively [(D Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.80, [95% CI 0.77, 0.83]), D HR = 0.72, [95% CI 0.65, 0.79]]. Mortality within 30-days of COVID-19 infection was similarly 33% lower with Vitamin D and 25% lower with D (D HR = 0.67, [95% CI 0.59, 0.75]; D HR = 0.75, [95% CI 0.55, 1.04]). We also find that after controlling for vitamin D blood levels, veterans receiving higher dosages of Vitamin D obtained greater benefits from supplementation than veterans receiving lower dosages. Veterans with Vitamin D blood levels between 0 and 19 ng/ml exhibited the largest decrease in COVID-19 infection following supplementation. Black veterans received greater associated COVID-19 risk reductions with supplementation than White veterans. As a safe, widely available, and affordable treatment, Vitamin D may help to reduce the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Pandemics; Dietary Supplements; Vitamin D Deficiency; Cholecalciferol; Vitamin D; Vitamins
PubMed: 36371591
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24053-4 -
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism May 2021The effects of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system are well established. Its deficiency causes osteomalacia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and an increased risk for... (Review)
Review
The effects of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system are well established. Its deficiency causes osteomalacia, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and an increased risk for fractures and falls. However, clinical and experimental evidence points to extra-skeletal actions of vitamin D, including on immune and respiratory systems. Thus, during this COVID-19 pandemic, a possible deleterious role of vitamin D deficiency has been questioned. This paper aims to present a brief review of the literature and discuss, based on evidence, the role of vitamin D in the lung function and in the prevention of respiratory infections. Relevant articles were searched in the databases MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO/LILACS. The mechanisms of vitamin D action in the immune system response will be discussed. Clinical data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses show benefits in the prevention of respiratory infections and improvement of pulmonary function when vitamin D-deficient patients are supplemented. At the time of writing this paper, no published data on vitamin D supplementation for patients with COVID-19 have been found. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended during this period of social isolation to avoid any deficiency, especially in the context of bone outcomes, aiming to achieve normal values of 25(OH)D. The prevention of respiratory infections and improvement of pulmonary function are additional benefits observed when vitamin D deficiency is treated. Thus far, any protective effect of vitamin D specifically against severe COVID-19 remains unclear. We also emphasize avoiding bolus or extremely high doses of vitamin D, which can increase the risk of intoxication without evidence of benefits.
Topics: COVID-19; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 34033288
DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000291 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Jun 2009The importance of vitamin D for osteoporosis and fractures has been known for more than 40 years. Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed by measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D... (Review)
Review
The importance of vitamin D for osteoporosis and fractures has been known for more than 40 years. Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed by measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), which should be > 50 nmol/l year round. Recent research suggests that a number of severe diseases could be prevented by increasing 25-OHD to 80 nmol/l. Despite a strong focus on such increase, recommendations for intake of Vitamin D have not been changed and the present recommendations are too low even to ensure > 50 nmol/l. To achieve optimal concentrations > 80 nmol/l, we estimate that 50-70 microgram of vitamin D per day for everyone from the age of 10 years is necessary. Until the safety of this dose has been further documented, we recommend 35-38 micrograms/day.
Topics: Adult; Child; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Osteoporosis; Reference Values; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 19671399
DOI: No ID Found -
Fertility and Sterility Jul 2022
Topics: Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 35725113
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.031 -
Nutrients Nov 2023The history of vitamin D begins more than 100 years ago, with the initial documentation of rickets in industrialized cities of England [...].
The history of vitamin D begins more than 100 years ago, with the initial documentation of rickets in industrialized cities of England [...].
Topics: Humans; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Rickets; Bone Diseases, Metabolic; Vitamins; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 38004169
DOI: 10.3390/nu15224775