Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones and teeth. It is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. Skin exposed to sunshine can also make vitamin D. Not enough vitamin D can cause a bone disease called rickets. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called cholecalciferol.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for strong bones, muscles, and general good health.

Vitamin D Biochemistry

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D Overdose

Vitamin D Supplementation

Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes

The Connection Between Vitamin D and Mental Health

The Role of Vitamin D in Hormonal Balance

Latest Vitamin D News and Research

Early exposure to parental smoking linked to higher MS risk

Cutting early life exposure to parental smoking may lower the risk of developing MS (multiple sclerosis) in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease, finds research published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

11 Dec 2024

Mediterranean diet linked to reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease

Research suggests the Mediterranean diet supports inflammatory bowel disease management, enhancing gut microbiota with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.

10 Dec 2024

Study finds no impact of high vitamin D doses on type 2 diabetes prevention

Using significantly higher doses of vitamin D than recommended for five years did not affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes in elderly men and women, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland.

3 Dec 2024

Non-invasive, low-cost tool developed for assessing risk of vitamin D deficiency in young women

Vitamin D, an essential nutrient, is naturally produced through sun exposure and certain foods. However, excessive sunburn prevention measures are causing a severe problem of vitamin D deficiency, particularly among young women in Japan.

15 Nov 2024

Vitamin D may lower blood pressure in older people with obesity

Vitamin D3 supplementation with calcium reduces blood pressure in elderly, overweight individuals, particularly those with higher BMI and existing hypertension.

14 Nov 2024

Vitamin D receptor activation slows cell overgrowth in pulmonary hypertension

The study demonstrates that activating the vitamin D receptor (VDR) with calcitriol suppresses cell proliferation in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells, potentially reducing disease severity in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

12 Nov 2024

Vitamin D supplementation may decrease blood pressure in obese older adults

Vitamin D supplements may lower blood pressure in older people with obesity and taking more than the Institutes of Medicine's (IOM) recommended daily dose does not provide additional health benefits, according to new research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

12 Nov 2024

Drinking non-fermented milk may increase the risk of heart disease in women

The study suggests non-fermented milk may raise ischemic heart disease risk in women, urging a closer look at dairy consumption and its health impacts.

11 Nov 2024

Pregnancy vitamin D supplementation boosts bone density in kids up to age 7

Research indicates that vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy positively impacts children's bone health and lean mass, with potential long-term benefits.

8 Nov 2024

Could vitamin D help COVID-19 patients? Meta-analysis highlights potential ICU reduction

Vitamin D may lower ICU and intubation rates in COVID-19 patients, with significant benefits observed in older and severe cases, according to recent research.

7 Nov 2024

Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy strengthen children's bones

Children whose mothers took extra vitamin D during pregnancy continue to have stronger bones at age seven, according to new research led by the University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

6 Nov 2024

Genetic and environmental drivers shape early type 1 diabetes risk in children

Researchers from the TEDDY study highlight how specific genetic and environmental factors may drive early autoimmunity linked to type 1 diabetes in children, emphasizing distinct patterns for different autoantibodies.

5 Nov 2024

Iron and vitamin D reduce depression risk, while selenium and magnesium raise it

Researchers explore the causality between micronutrient intake and depression using Mendelian randomization.

4 Nov 2024

Low vitamin D associated with increased depression risk in pregnancy and after birth

Research indicates that low vitamin D levels may contribute to anxiety and depression in pregnant women, emphasizing the importance of adequate supplementation.

29 Oct 2024

Could vitamin D be the missing link in managing type 2 diabetes? Recent study weighs in

Vitamin D's role in type 2 diabetes management is evolving, with evidence suggesting it may improve blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes-related inflammation.

29 Oct 2024

Scurvy may be making a comeback amid economic strain

The scourge of scurvy, which is caused by vitamin C deficiency, may be re-emerging amid the cost of living crisis and the rise in weight loss (bariatric) surgery, suggest doctors in the journal BMJ Case Reports after treating a middle-aged man with the condition.

22 Oct 2024