The Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency on the Endocrine and Paracrine Systems

2007 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia T. Alpert ◽  
Ulfat Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Paracrine Effects ◽  
Breastfed Infants ◽  
Nutritional Rickets ◽  
Disease States

Individuals are capable of producing vitamin D with proper exposure to sunlight. However, several factors can interfere with the effectiveness of this process. Most sunscreens filter out UVB light, thus inhibiting vitamin D production. Individuals with more darkly pigmented skin have greater difficulty producing vitamin D because melanin acts as an effective natural sunscreen, requiring longer sun exposure to produce an adequate daily allotment of vitamin D. Additionally, solely breastfed infants whose mothers suffered from vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency when pregnant have smaller reserves of the nutrient and are at greater risk of developing nutritional rickets. Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia, and osteoporosis. Long-term vitamin D insufficiency can lead to paracrine effects such as type 1 diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis. This article reviews the current literature on vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency and their relation to different disease states. Potential areas for research are discussed.

scholarly journals Nutrihealth Study: Seasonal Variation in Vitamin D Status Among the Slovenian Adult and Elderly Population

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maša Hribar ◽  
Hristo Hristov ◽  
Matej Gregorič ◽  
Urška Blaznik ◽  
Katja Zaletel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Ultraviolet B ◽  
Vitamin D Status

Several studies conducted around the world showed substantial vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among different population groups. Sources of vitamin D in the human body include ultraviolet B (UVB)-light-induced biosynthesis and dietary intake, but people’s diets are often poor in vitamin D. Furthermore, in many regions, sun exposure and the intensity of UVB irradiation during wintertime are not sufficient for vitamin D biosynthesis. In Slovenia, epidemiological data about vitamin D status in the population were investigated through a national Nutrihealth study—an extension to the national dietary survey SI.Menu (2017/18). The study was conducted on a representative sample of 125 adult (18–64 years) and 155 elderly (65–74 years old) subjects, enrolled in the study in different seasons. Their vitamin D status was determined by measuring the serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration. Thresholds for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 25(OH)D levels below 30 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. Altogether, 24.9% of the adults and 23.5% of the elderly were found to be vitamin D deficient, while an insufficient status was found in 58.2% and 62.9%, respectively. A particularly concerning situation was observed during extended wintertime (November–April); vitamin D deficiency was found in 40.8% and 34.6%, and insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels were observed in 81.6% and 78.8%, respectively. The results of the study showed high seasonal variation in serum 25(OH)D levels in both the adult and elderly population, with deficiency being especially pronounced during wintertime. The prevalence of this deficiency in Slovenia is among the highest in Europe and poses a possible public health risk that needs to be addressed with appropriate recommendations and/or policy interventions.

scholarly journals Prospective Evaluation of Vitamin D Supplementation on Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus -A Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 260-266
Author(s):  
Faisal Suliman Algaows ◽  
Fatema Abdullah Althkerallah ◽  
Norah Abdulmohsen Alsuwailem ◽  
Amnah Abdulnasser Mawlan Ahmed ◽  
Razan Fahad Alwagdani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Diabetic neuropathy is a long-term consequence of diabetes that can cause significant morbidity and a decline in quality of life in many individuals. Low vitamin D levels, in addition to causing rickets in infants and chondrosteoma in adults, may have a role in the development of DM and its underlying disorders, according to a growing body of evidence. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to type 1 or type 2 diabetes, as well as the microvascular and macrovascular problems that come with it. Vitamin D insufficiency has been linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) as an independent risk factor. Vitamin D, both topical and oral, has been shown to considerably improve DPN symptoms and pain.

Seasonal variation of vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin Supplementation ◽  
World Population ◽  
Outdoor Sports ◽  
Sunscreen Use ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is very prevalent in world population and growing evidence shows that also athletes are affected. Vitamin D deficiency causes beside bone disorders, musculoskeletal pain, muscle weakness and is associated with many other health disorders. For athletes in particular it may impair training and performance, prolong recovery and increase risk of injury. We therefore analyzed vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes focusing on prevalence according to age, gender, seasonal variations, indoor or outdoor sports, sunscreen use and vitamin D supplementation. Methods: This study was performed in a convenient sample of 655 Swiss Olympic athletes over one year. Blood samples were obtained and a questionnaire was filled in at Swiss Olympic Medical Centers or Bases during an annual routine exam. Data were then sent to the central laboratory of the Aarau hospital where they were processed and sent to us in an anonymized version. Vitamin D levels were categorized into deficiency (≤ 50 nmol/l), insufficiency (between 50 and 75 nmol/l) and adequate levels (> 75 nmol/l) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. By means of the questionnaire, we assessed age, gender, type of sport, symptoms possibly related to vitamin D deficiency during the last year, frequency of sunscreen use and vitamin D-containing medications of the athletes. Results: 13.5% of the participants (total number = 651) presented a vitamin D deficiency, 37.8% a vitamin D insufficiency so that more than half of the athletes (51.2%) had inadequate vitamin D levels. Inadequate vitamin D levels were more prevalent in younger athletes, during seasons with lower sun exposure, in indoor sports during the sun deprived seasons, in athletes without vitamines supplementation and in athletes of lower Swiss Olympic classes compared to their counterparts. Conclusions: The results of the study show that the prevalence of inadequate vitamin D levels in Swiss athletes is substantial for younger athletes (< 18 years of age) and for indoor athletes during sun deprived periods of the year. However, a general vitamin supplementation containing vitamin D reduced the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy which is especially relevant during sun deprived seasons.

scholarly journals The D-Lightful Vitamin D for Health / Vitamin D Za Dobro Zdravlje

2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael F. Holick
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Skeletal Health ◽  
Neurocognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
25 Hydroxy Vitamin D ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D

Summary Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin that is not only important for children’s and adults’ skeletal health but is also important for their overall health and wellbeing. Vitamin D deficiency has been defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL and vitamin D insufficiency as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 21-29 ng/mL. The major source of vitamin D is sensible sun exposure since very few foods naturally contain vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with in - creased risk for many acute and chronic diseases including infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, neurocognitive dysfunction and muscle weakness. To achieve a blood level of 25-hydroxy - vitamin D >30 ng/mL children require 600-1 000 IUs and adults 1 500-2 000 IUs of vitamin D daily.

scholarly journals Sun exposure, dressing habits, and vitamin D status in Morocco

2021 ◽  
Vol 319 ◽  
pp. 01097
Author(s):  
Sakhr Dadda ◽  
Karima Azekour ◽  
Fouzia Sebbari ◽  
Brahim El Houate ◽  
Bachir El Bouhali
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Daily Sunshine ◽  
Local Healthcare

Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D. Almost 80% of vitamin D3 is produced in the skin. The region of Draa Tafilalet benefits from long daily sunshine time. As such, vitamin D deficiency should be low in this region. However, dressing habits can highly influence vitamin D status. This study aimed to evaluate sun exposure and its relation to vitamin D status among the general population in the region of Draa-Tafilalet, Morocco. Clinical, biological, and sociodemographic data were obtained from 331 adults visiting local healthcare units during the summers of 2019 and 2020. Plasma 25(OH)D2/D3 was measured by immunofluorescence. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 37.5%, while Vitamin D insufficiency represented 56.5%. Most of the studied population (76.4%) had restricting dressing habits and exposed only their faces. statistic tests showed a correlation of vitamin D levels with daily sun exposure (r= 0.308, p<0.001), dressing habits (p<0.001), age (r= -0.141, p=0.01), sex (p<0.001), physical activity level (p=0.003), and BMI (r= -0.298, p<0.001). The study showed a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this region. Similarly, it exposed the effects of restricting clothes and low daily sun exposure on vitamin D status.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and bone health in early life

2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Mølgaard ◽  
Kim Fleischer Michaelsen
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Age Distribution ◽  
High Capacity ◽  
Growth Failure ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Increased Risk

Prolonged vitamin D deficiency resulting in rickets is seen mainly during rapid growth. A distinct age distribution has been observed in the Copenhagen area where all registered hospital cases of rickets were either infants and toddlers or adolescents from immigrant families. Growth retardation was only present in the infant and toddler group. A state of deficiency occurs months before rickets is obvious on physical examination. Growth failure, lethargy and irritability may be early signs of vitamin D deficiency. Mothers with low vitamin D status give birth to children with low vitamin D status and increased risk of rickets. Reports showing increasing rates of rickets due to insufficient sunlight exposure and inadequate vitamin D intake are cause for serious concern. Many countries (including the USA from 2003) recommend vitamin D supplementation during infancy to avoid rickets resulting from the low vitamin D content of human milk. Without fortification only certain foods such as fatty fish contain more than low amounts of vitamin D, and many children will depend entirely on sun exposure to obtain sufficient vitamin D. The skin has a high capacity to synthesize vitamin D, but if sun exposure is low vitamin D production is insufficient, especially in dark-skinned infants. The use of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to evaluate vitamin D status before development of rickets would be helpful; however, there is no agreement on cut-off levels for deficiency and insufficiency. Furthermore, it is not known how marginal vitamin D insufficiency affects children's bones in the long term.

scholarly journals Primary hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 93 (10) ◽  
pp. 1221-1226
Author(s):  
Gyuzel E. Runova ◽  
Olga O. Golounina ◽  
Irina V. Glinkina ◽  
Valentin V. Fadeev
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Primary Hyperparathyroidism ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Preoperative Assessment ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Parathyroid Glands ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrine disease after diabetes mellitus and thyroid pathology. Recent epidemiological and experimental data have shown that long-term maintenance of low vitamin D levels in the blood can lead to the development of hyperplastic processes in the cells of the parathyroid glands, followed by autonomous production of parathyroid hormone. In PHPT vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency according to various sources occurs with a frequency of 5377% of cases. The literature review indicates more severe disease in patients with concomitant vitamin D deficiency. The expediency of preoperative assessment of vitamin D levels in all patients with PHPT in order to minimize the risk of hypocalcemia after parathyroidectomy is discussed. This article presents the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and PHPT, as well as possible methods for correcting vitamin D deficiency in PHPT. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the occurrence of pathological processes in the parathyroid glands under conditions of low vitamin D levels are presented.

Vitamin D deficiency in minority populations

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 379-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen B Taksler ◽  
David M Cutler ◽  
Edward Giovannucci ◽  
Nancy L Keating
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Minority Populations ◽  
Uv Index ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

AbstractObjectiveBlack and Hispanic individuals synthesize less vitamin D per unit of sun exposure than white individuals. The relationship between UV radiation and vitamin D insufficiency in minorities has not been well explored.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingUsing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we obtained serum vitamin D levels for non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics and non-Hispanic Blacks aged ≥18 years from 2000–2006. We linked these data with the average monthly solar UV index by census tract and data on sun exposure, vitamin D supplementation, health and demographics. We used multivariable regression analyses to assess vitamin D deficiency (<15 ng/ml) and insufficiency (<20 ng/ml) in January (when the UV index was lowest) by race/ethnicity and geography.SubjectsAdults (n 14 319) aged ≥18 years.ResultsA 1-point increase in the UV index was associated with a 0·51 ng/ml increase in vitamin D (95 % CI 0·35, 0·67 ng/ml; P<0·001). Non-Hispanic Black race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with a 7·47 and 3·41 ng/ml decrease in vitamin D, respectively (both P<0·001). In January, an estimated 65·4 % of non-Hispanic Blacks were deficient in vitamin D, compared with 28·9 % of Hispanics and 14·0 % of non-Hispanic Whites. An estimated 84·2 % of non-Hispanic Blacks were insufficient in vitamin D v. 56·3 % of Hispanics and 34·8 % of non-Hispanic Whites. More non-Hispanic Blacks were estimated to be deficient in vitamin D in January in the highest UV index quartile than were non-Hispanic Whites in the lowest UV index quartile (60·2 % v. 25·7 %).ConclusionsWintertime vitamin D insufficiency is pervasive among minority populations, and not uncommon among non-Hispanic Whites.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction: An Italian Single-Center Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 85 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aneta Aleksova ◽  
Rita Belfiore ◽  
Cosimo Carriere ◽  
Salam Kassem ◽  
Salvatore La Carrubba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
High Exposure

Abstract. Background: Hypovitaminosis D is a vitamin deficiency that has been increasing in developed countries; it was also suggested as an emerging risk factor for developing of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. The primary source of vitamin D is its cutaneous synthesis under exposure to sunlight. It has been suggested that 30 min of sun exposure twice weekly leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis. The residents of Trieste (Italy) are well-known for their high exposure to sunlight in all seasons. We aimed to investigate the vitamin D status in subjects with acute myocardial infarction living in this area. Methods: Vitamin D status was identified in 478 subjects diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. Results: The median serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 14.5 [7.8 - 22.7] ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were present in 324 (68 %) and 107 (22 %) subjects, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency was less frequent among subjects enrolled in the period from July to the end of September (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis vitamin D deficiency was predicted by older age (p = 0.02), female gender (p = 0.002), higher body mass index (p = 0.05), autumn/winter sampling (p < 0.001), increased parathyroid hormone (p = 0.03) and alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.003). Conclusions: We observed very high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among subjects with myocardial infarction in all seasons of enrollment. However, it was lower in the summer when sun exposure is higher. The exposure to sunlight may be a cost-saving therapeutic strategy for the management of vitamin D deficiency.

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