The association of vitamin D with common diseases — an appraisal of recent evidence

Łukasz Szternel; Grażyna Odrowąż-Sypniewska

Vol 2, No 2 (2014)

Review article

Published online: 2014-08-11

View PDF

Download PDF file

Get Citation

The association of vitamin D with common diseases — an appraisal of recent evidence

Łukasz Szternel, Grażyna Odrowąż-Sypniewska

Folia Medica Copernicana 2014;2(2):37-41.

Vol 2, No 2 (2014)

REVIEW ARTICLES

Published online: 2014-08-11

Abstract

It has been several years since the discovery of the pleiotropic effects of vitamin D, and there is still hot debate as to the role of vitamin D and attempts to standardise methods of determining 25(OH)D concentrations as well as supplementation with vitamin D. Many studies, both observational and randomised controlled trials, have revealed a whole range of opportunities of active vitamin D metabolite contribution to the treatment of common diseases. A relationship between high concentrations of vitamin D and a low risk of incidence of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, ischaemic stroke, depression,metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes has been suggested for a long time, although recently published meta-analyses have created some doubts. There is no consensus regarding vitamin D supplementation and the optimum concentration of serum 25(OH)D. The Institute of Medicine’s 2011 report recommends achieving serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20 ng/mL as optimal, at a dosage of 600 IU of vitamin D per day. International recommendations suggest for individuals at risk a dosage of vitamin D of 2,000 IU per day. Polish experts advise that the optimal concentration of 25(OH)D should be greater than 30 ng/mL for adults.