Vitamin d hormone
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The Multifaceted Role of Vitamin D Hormone
Introduction to Vitamin D Hormone
Vitamin D, often referred to as a hormone rather than a vitamin, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. The active form of vitamin D, known as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol), is essential for maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, which is vital for bone health1 2. This article explores the diverse biological actions of vitamin D, its mechanisms of action, and its broader implications for health.
Calcium and Phosphorus Homeostasis
Regulation in Intestine, Kidney, and Bone
The primary function of calcitriol is to regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. It achieves this by promoting calcium and phosphate absorption in the intestines, mobilizing calcium from bones, and reabsorbing calcium in the kidneys1 7. This regulation is crucial for maintaining bone density and overall skeletal health.
Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and Gene Expression
Mechanisms of Action
Vitamin D exerts its effects through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor that mediates the hormone's actions in various tissues1 4. Recent studies have expanded our understanding of how vitamin D controls gene expression, revealing new concepts about its regulatory mechanisms1. The VDR is present in numerous cell types, indicating that vitamin D's influence extends beyond calcium homeostasis to other physiological processes2.
Broader Biological Actions
Immune System Modulation
Vitamin D is recognized for its immunomodulatory effects. It influences both the innate and adaptive immune systems, contributing to the body's defense against infections and autoimmune diseases3 9 10. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of immune-related conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory infections10.
Cardiovascular and Endocrine Systems
Calcitriol also impacts the cardiovascular and endocrine systems. It has been shown to enhance cardiovascular health and regulate various endocrine functions, including the modulation of other hormonal systems3 4 8. These effects underscore the hormone's role in maintaining overall metabolic balance.
Vitamin D and Reproductive Health
Progesterone-like Activity
Interestingly, vitamin D exhibits progesterone-like activity, particularly in the female reproductive system. It supports the endometrium's preparation for pregnancy and aids in the implantation process, working synergistically with progesterone5. This highlights the hormone's importance in reproductive health and pregnancy maintenance.
Fertility Implications
Vitamin D's role in fertility extends to both men and women. It influences reproductive processes, including sperm quality and menstrual cycle regulation. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve metabolic and endocrine disturbances9.
Physical Function and Aging
Skeletal Muscle and Physical Decline
Vitamin D deficiency is common in older adults and is linked to physical function decline and disability. The hormone's role in maintaining skeletal muscle health is critical for preventing age-related physical deterioration6. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels can help mitigate these effects and support healthy aging.
Conclusion
Vitamin D, functioning as a hormone, is integral to numerous physiological processes beyond its traditional role in bone health. Its regulatory effects on calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, immune modulation, cardiovascular health, endocrine functions, reproductive health, and physical function highlight its multifaceted nature. Understanding and optimizing vitamin D levels can have significant implications for overall health and disease prevention.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Biology and Mechanisms of Action of the Vitamin D Hormone.
Recent studies reveal new insights into the biological actions of vitamin D hormone, advancing our understanding of its mechanisms and regulation of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis.
Highly CitedFrom vitamin D to hormone D: fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health.
The vitamin D endocrine system contributes to good health in multiple organs, including the kidney, intestine, bone, and parathyroid, and its nutritional guidelines should be reevaluated considering these contributions.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D: Vitamin or Hormone?
Vitamin D is a multifunctional hormone that contributes to various body processes, including immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, and metabolic systems, as well as depression, pain, and cancer.
The vitamin D receptor.
Vitamin D signaling in the skin plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis, bone metabolism, cell differentiation, and immune response.
Highly CitedVitamin D: a steroid hormone with progesterone-like activity.
Vitamin D, or calcitriol, is a steroid hormone with progesterone-like activity, supporting the early stages of gestation and pregnancy through similar pathways to progesterone.
Systematic ReviewVitamin D hormone: A multitude of actions potentially influencing the physical function decline in older persons
Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency can lead to subclinical and clinical consequences, including physical function decline and disability in older adults.
Highly CitedOverview of general physiologic features and functions of vitamin D.
Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, phosphate absorption, bone mobilization, and kidney reabsorption, with new selective analogs for therapy emerging.
Highly CitedAn Update on Vitamin D Metabolism
Vitamin D metabolism has evolved to include skin role, liver control, and extraskeletal effects, including benefits for the immune and cardiovascular systems.
Highly CitedVitamin D and fertility: a systematic review.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in reproductive processes in both women and men, with potential benefits for IVF outcomes, steroidogenesis, and testosterone levels.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedImmunologic Effects of Vitamin D on Human Health and Disease
Optimal vitamin D intake and sensible sunlight exposure can maintain optimal immune system function and reduce the risk of immune-related diseases.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited