1.
Extra-Skeletal Effects of Vitamin D.
Bouillon, R
Frontiers of hormone research. 2018;:72-88
Abstract
There are very solid data to confirm that the vitamin D endocrine system is important not only for calcium transport or bone homeostasis but also for operational functions in most cells of the body. Preclinical studies convincingly demonstrated coherent actions of the vitamin D endocrine system on the proliferation/differentiation of most cells (and thus possibly on the evolution of cancer). The most plausible target tissues include skeletal and cardiac muscle, all immune cells, many cells involved in cardiovascular homeostasis, brain cells, and reproductive tissues. These data have been generated in models of (near) total absence of vitamin D action or when exposed to very high concentrations of the active hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D or its analogs. In humans, observational data frequently demonstrate a link between poor vitamin D status and a large number of major human diseases such as cancer, muscle weakness and falls, infections or autoimmune diseases, hypertension and cardiovascular risks and events, obesity, diabetes and all aspects of the metabolic syndrome, and other health problems. Intervention studies so far have not convincingly demonstrated a positive effect on such extra-skeletal health outcomes. A very large number of ongoing studies (about 3,000), however, should help to clarify the role of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system and on global health.
2.
Vitamin D deficiency: subclinical and clinical consequences on musculoskeletal health.
Haroon, M, FitzGerald, O
Current rheumatology reports. 2012;(3):286-93
Abstract
Vitamin D is an important contributor to musculoskeletal health through its well-established key role in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The association between vitamin D and various muscle disease outcomes appears promising. However, the role of vitamin D extends well beyond this traditionally labeled effect on muscle and bone health (eg, as a modulator of cell growth and immune function). While further research is needed (as there are still divergent opinions regarding these extraskeletal effects of vitamin D), strong, convincing evidence supports the benefits of vitamin D in promoting bone growth and maintenance, and this has been acknowledged in the recent Institute of Medicine report. However, it should be recognized that the research on vitamin D is still an emerging field, and it is beyond the scope of this paper to include more than a brief review of the published work.