Vitamin D in health and disease : an insight into traditional functions and new roles for the 'sunshine vitamin'


Autoria(s): Borradale, David; Kimlin, Michael G.
Data(s)

10/11/2009

Resumo

Vitamin D is unique among the vitamins in that humans can synthesize it via the action of UV radiation upon the skin. This combined with its ability to act on specific target tissues via Vitamin D Receptor’s (VDR) make its classification as a steroid hormone more appropriate. While Vitamin D deficiency is a recognized problem in some northern latitude countries, recent studies have shown even in sunny countries such as Australia, vitamin D deficiency may be more prevalent than first thought. Vitamin D is most well known for its role in bone health, however, the discovery of VDR’s on a wide variety of tissue types has also opened up roles for vitamin D far beyond traditional bone health. These include possible associations with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and muscle strength. Firstly, this paper presents an overview of the two sources of vitamin D: exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation and food sources of vitamin D, with particular focus on both Australian and international studies on dietary vitamin D intake and national fortification strategies. Secondly, the paper reviews recent epidemiological and experimental evidence linking vitamin D and its role in health and disease for the major conditions linked to suboptimal vitamin D, while identifying significant gaps in the research and possible future directions for research.

Formato

application/pdf

Identificador

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/30087/

Publicador

Cambridge University Press

Relação

http://eprints.qut.edu.au/30087/1/c30087.pdf

DOI:10.1017/S0954422409990102

Borradale, David & Kimlin, Michael G. (2009) Vitamin D in health and disease : an insight into traditional functions and new roles for the 'sunshine vitamin'. Nutrition Research Reviews, 22 (2), pp. 118-136.

Direitos

Copyright 2009 Cambridge University Press

Fonte

Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; School of Public Health & Social Work

Palavras-Chave #110308 Geriatrics and Gerontology #111706 Epidemiology #111199 Nutrition and Dietetics not elsewhere classified #Vitamin D #UV Radiation #Bone Health #Cancer Prevention
Tipo

Journal Article