Purpose: The goal of this review is to provide an update in the field of vitamin D, in particular, the role of vitamin D in non-skeletal health, the complexity of providing patient guidance regarding obtaining sufficient vitamin D, and the possible involvement of vitamin D in morbidity and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
Recent findings: In addition to bone health, vitamin D may play a role in innate immunity, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. Although rickets is often regarded as an historical disease of the early twentieth century, it appears to be making a comeback worldwide, including "first-world" countries. Broad-spectrum sunscreens (with high UVA filters) that prevent erythema are unlikely to compromise vitamin D status in healthy populations.
Summary: New attention is now focused on the role of vitamin D in a variety of diseases, and more individualized patient recommendation schemes are being considered that take into account more realistic and achievable goals for achieving sufficient vitamin D through diet, supplements, and sun behavior.
Keywords: Osteomalacia; Pigmentation; Rickets; Sunscreen; Ultraviolet light; Vitamin D.
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