J Korean Med Assoc.  2013 Apr;56(4):310-318. 10.5124/jkma.2013.56.4.310.

Recent advance on vitamin D

• Park HA
• Kim SY

• KMID: 2192933
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2013.56.4.310

Abstract

Vitamin D is not only a nutrient, but also a hormone that affects the musculoskeletal system. Recently, extensive attention has been drawn to the autocrine and paracrine functions of vitamin D. Consequently, its extraskeletal effect and its known effects on the skeletal system have drawn particular interest. The socioeconomic development and aging of the population of Korea have also raised interest in dietary supplements. Because vitamin D deficiency is high among Koreans, both physicians and patients are questioning whether vitamin D supplements are needed. This review assessed the skeletal and extraskeletal efficacy of vitamin D with regard to mortality, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes via an evidence-based approach. The recent interest surrounding vitamin D can be expected to motivate many more studies on its effects and adverse effects, and accordingly, the level of evidence and recommendations will be adjusted. Clinicians should familiarize themselves with updated evidence about vitamin D, and must counsel patients with that evidence in mind.

Keyword

Vitamin D; Evidence-based medicine; Accidental falls; Osteoporosis; Neoplasms; Mortality; Cardiovascular diseases

MeSH Terms

Accidental Falls
Aging
Cardiovascular Diseases
Dietary Supplements
Evidence-Based Medicine
Humans
Korea
Musculoskeletal System
Osteoporosis
Vitamin D
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamins
Vitamin D
Vitamins

Figure

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  Figure 1 Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] by 10-year age categories (From Ministry of Health and Welfare. Korea health statistics 2010: Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1). Seoul: Ministry of Health and Welfare; 2011) [14].

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