What is the Origin of Vitamin D Deficiency?

The recognition of Vitamin D deficiency dates back centuries with the observation of rickets, but its modern definition and widespread prevalence as a systemic issue emerged with advancements in biochemical testing in the late 20th century. The term is now central to nutritional science and preventative medicine, acknowledging Vitamin D's role as a secosteroid hormone precursor.

What is the Mechanism of Vitamin D Deficiency?

The primary mechanism involves inadequate synthesis in the skin due to insufficient sun exposure or inadequate dietary intake, leading to low substrate availability. Low 25(OH)D levels impair the final hydroxylation step in the kidney to the most active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. This ultimately disrupts calcium and phosphate homeostasis, impairs immune cell function, and negatively affects the expression of hundreds of genes regulated by the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) throughout the body.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Meaning

Vitamin D Deficiency is a widespread clinical condition characterized by insufficient levels of the active metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the serum, failing to meet the body’s physiological demands for maintaining bone health and supporting numerous extra-skeletal functions. This deficiency is defined by specific laboratory cut-off values and is recognized as a significant public health issue with profound implications for endocrine, immune, and metabolic function.

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