Christopher Schutze

Vitamin D Christopher Schutze

Despite numerous reports of the association of vitamin D with a spectrum of development, disease treatment and maintenance of health, vitamin D deficiency is common. Severe vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in infants or children and osteomalacia in adults. However, this is currently rare in industrialized countries. Nevertheless, subclinical vitamin D deficiency is more common and has been reported to be associated with osteoporosis and a higher incidence of falls or fractures. It has been reported that 96% of children with rickets were breastfed, as breast milk contains insufficient vitamin D. Since vitamin D receptors are present throughout the body, inadequate vitamin D status may be associated with several extra-skeletal effects, such as pregnancy-related complications and immunodeficiency. It is well known that vitamin D can be obtained by exposure to sunlight or natural food sources. The American Academy of Dermatology has classified ultraviolet radiation as a known skin carcinogen. Therefore, it may not be safe or effective to receive vitamin D by sun exposure. Hence, many paediatricians and physicians recommend adequate vitamin D supplementation to achieve optimal plasma concentrations. Most of the population suffers from vitamin D deficiency, especially in the winter months. Studies have reported that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis and / or progression of multiple diseases. The widespread lack of vitamin D therefore deserves consideration, including raising public awareness and health professionals. This book summarizes important mechanisms of action of vitamin D in the human body based on current scientific findings.