Vitamin D and bone health

Abstract

Circulating vitamin D predominantly originates from cutaneous synthesis and therefore it should be considered as a hormone rather than a vitamin. Vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) is a worldwide epidemic with multiple implications on human health, due to its role in various physiological systems. Challenges and controversies are still ongoing regarding the best method of measuring vitamin D levels in the circulation. In spite of this, various studies have shown that with higher serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels, there is a decrease in the incidence of non-vertebral and hip fractures. There is limited research data on the management of vitamin D deficiency using therapeutic doses.