Health effects related to low vitamin D concentrations: beyond bone metabolism

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is essential for a vast number of physiologic processes, and thus adequate levels are necessary or advantageous for optimal health. During childhood and adolescence, an adequate vitamin D status is needed due to its important role in cell growth, skeletal structure, and development.

Aims: To review the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D, focusing especially on children.

Methods: Narrative review.

Results: Low vitamin D concentrations seem to be significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Regular sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplementation in early childhood may offer protection against the development of type 1 diabetes. Epidemiological evidence supports the importance of adequate vitamin D levels for the prevention of a number of cancers, mainly breast and colorectal ones. There seems to be an inverse relation between 25(OH)D serum concentrations and cardiovascular diseases, some components of the metabolic syndrome, and physical fitness.

Conclusions: Lifestyle and appropriate nutrition may prevent the long-term effect of hypovitaminosis D beyond mineral and bone metabolism.