Chapter
136
Vitamin D Treatment
Guidelines
Michael F Holick
INTRODUCTION
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, has been recognized as being
essential for children’s and adults’ bone health for more than
100 years. The revelation that vitamin D needs to be metabolized
to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in the liver is followed by its
activation in the kidneys to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]
by all definitions makes vitamin D a hormone.1 1,25(OH)2D interacts
with its nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the small intestine
to increase the efficiency of intestinal calcium absorption. In the
kidneys, this hormone increases tubular reabsorption of calcium.
1,25(OH)2D’s function in the bone is to interact with the VDR in
osteoblasts resulting in the expression of receptor activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL). The interaction of RANK on monocytes with
RANKL results in signal transduction resulting in the formation
of mature multinucleated osteoclasts, which release HCl and
collagenases in order to digest the bone and release precious calcium
into the circulation. Thus, the endocrine function for vitamin D is to
maintain serum calcium within a physiologically acceptable range
in order to maintain a wide variety of metabolic functions through
signal transduction mechanisms as well as neuromuscular activity.
1,25(OH)2D also stimulates intestinal phosphorus absorption.
Therefore, by 1,25(OH)2D maintaining an adequate serum calcium
and phosphorus product, the newly formed collagen matrix in the
skeleton is mineralized.1
It is now recognized that essentially every tissue and cell in the
body has a VDR. In vitro studies have revealed that when cell lines
are incubated with 1,25(OH)2D more than 200 genes are directly
affected. It has been estimated that upwards of 2,000 genes may be
directly or indirectly influenced by 1,25(OH)2D.2,3 In addition, there
is mounting evidence that 1,25(OH)2D has epigenetic influences
on gene expression.3 Of particular interest is that 1,25(OH)2D can
decrease proliferation of hyperproliferative cells and malignant cells,
induce terminal differentiation of psoriatic skin cells and malignant
cells including some leukemic cell lines, induce apoptosis, decrease
angiogenesis, decrease renin production, increase insulin secretion,
increase insulin sensitivity and cause vascular relaxation.4 In
addition, it is a major regulator of immune function.5 1,25(OH)2D
is known to increase the production of T2 lymphocytes, inhibit
immunoglobulin synthesis and stimulate macrophage production of
cathelicidin.5,6 These observations may help explain many association
studies linking sunlight deficiency and vitamin D deficiency with
a wide range of diseases including many deadly cancers, several
autoimmune diseases including Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis,
rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease, cardiovascular disease,
Type 2 diabetes and infectious diseases.1,4,5
DEFINITION OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
AND INSUFFICIENCY
Measurement of 25(OH)D in the circulation is the best diagnostic
test for determining a person’s vitamin D status.1 Usually 1,25(OH)2D
levels in the circulation are normal or elevated in vitamin D deficient
patients and thus should not be used to determine a person’s
vitamin D status. However, 1,25(OH)2D measurement is of value in
acquired and inherited disorders of vitamin D metabolism including
pseudovitamin D deficiency rickets, vitamin D resistant rickets,
granulomatous disorders and some lymphomas.1
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Endocrine Society have
defined vitamin D deficiency as it relates to bone health as a 25(OH)
D less than 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L).7,8 However, the Endocrine Society
concluded that vitamin D improves muscle function and based on
many association studies may also have some additional benefit in
reducing several chronic illnesses. As a result, they defined vitamin
D insufficiency as a 25(OH)D of 21–29 ng/mL.8
The Endocrine Society revisited its recommendations9 in light of
concerns raised by the IOM committee.10 One of the publications
that the IOM committee relied on heavily regarding recommending
that a blood level of 25(OH)D greater than 20 ng/mL was sufficient
to maintain a healthy skeleton was by Priemel et al.11 The IOM
committee concluded that 99% of healthy adult Germans aged
20–70 years who died prematurely in an accident had no evidence
of vitamin D deficiency, osteomalacia, i.e. unmineralized osteoid, if
their blood level of 25(OH)D was greater than 20 ng/mL. However,
the authors reported that 21% of otherwise healthy men and women
with a 25(OH)D between 20 ng/mL and 30 ng/mL had evidence of
increased osteoid and therefore concluded that to guarantee no
evidence of vitamin D deficiency bone disease, a blood level of
25(OH)D should be greater than 30 ng/mL. There was a remarkable
between-individual variability of the 25(OH)D/osteoid relationship
that is similar to the wide variability reported for the relationship
between 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH).12-15 Most
studies, however, have suggested that when 25(OH)D is between
30 ng/mL and 40 ng/mL, PTH levels continue to decline and finally
plateau suggesting that for maintaining maximum effect of vitamin
D on calcium metabolism and bone health, 25(OH)D should be at
least 30 ng/mL. In one study of over 1,500 postmenopausal women,
a serum 25(OH)D of 21 ng/mL was associated with a two fold higher
risk of having secondary hyperparathyroidism compared to women
who had a blood level of 25(OH)D greater than 30 ng/mL (Figures 1A
and B).15
The Endocrine Society also conducted a meta-analysis of 23 trials
of fall risk and found that vitamin D supplementation above 800 IUs
Metabolic Disorders
A
Section 18
B
Figures 1A and B: (A) Mean (±SE) serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) (picograms per milliliter) by serum 25(OH)D subgroups. Subject PTH concentrations
(pg/mL) relative to serum 25(OH)D concentrations sorted by subgroups delineated by predefined cutoffs for analyses of 25(OH)D inadequacy. Serum PTH
values began to increase with 25(OH)D concentrations less than 29.8 ng/mL; (B) Percent of subjects with secondary hyperparathyroidism by 25(OH)D
level. The percent of subjects with secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH > 40 pg/mL) sorted by subgroups with serum 25(OH)D concentrations delineated
by predefined cutoffs for analyses of 25(OH)D inadequacy.
Source: Reproduced with permission from Holick MF, Siris ES, Binkley N, et al. Prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy among postmenopausal North
American women receiving osteoporosis therapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90:3215-24.
daily was associated with a statistically significant reduction in risk
of falls [odds ratio (OR) 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76–0.93;
inconsistency (12 equal 61%; 23 studies)].16 This effect was most
prominent in patients who were vitamin D deficient at baseline.
In one randomized controlled trial, nursing home residents who
received either 200, 400 or 600 IUs of vitamin D daily for 5 months
demonstrated no significant fall reduction whereas residents who
received 800 IUs of vitamin D daily for 5 months had a 72% reduced
risk of falls.17 The IOM on the other hand concluded that there was no
benefit of vitamin D supplementation on fall risk although the overall
meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials showed a significant
benefit of vitamin D supplementation on fall prevention [OR 0.89;
95% CI 0.80–0.99].7,9 The beneficial effect of vitamin D in reduced risk
for falls is consistent with the 2010 assessment by the International
Osteoporosis Foundation and the 2011 assessment of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality for the US Preventative Services Task
Force who concluded that vitamin D was an effective intervention for
preventing falls in older adults.18,19
ASSOCIATION STUDIES RELATED TO NONCALCEMIC
HEALTH BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D
620
There is a long and sustained history regarding lack of sun exposure
and vitamin D deficiency being associated with increased risk for
many acute and chronic illnesses. The first observation was made
by Finsen in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He demonstrated that
exposure to sunlight was an effective method for treating tuberculosis
of the skin. It was also realized that living above 5,000 feet altitude in
the Swiss Alps was effective in preventing and treating tuberculosis.
In 1915, it was reported that men and women who worked indoors
were more likely to die of cancer than those who worked outdoors.20
A study in United States revealed that people living in the Northeast
were more likely to die of cancer than those who lived in southern
sunny states including Texas and Georgia among others.21
In the early 1990s, reports appeared suggesting that a higher intake
of vitamin D or living at lower latitudes resulted in reduced risk for
colon, prostate and breast cancer.22 Follow-up studies suggested that
a multitude of cancers are associated with lack of sun exposure and
vitamin D deficiency.23 As these observations were being published
other investigators began to report on associations with vitamin D
deficiency and increased risk for autoimmune diseases including
Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.23-27
Other reports suggested that a blood level of 25(OH)D greater than
30 ng/mL reduced risk for peripheral vascular disease by more than
80%.28 Vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased risk not
only for myocardial infarction29 but also for decreased cardiovascular
mortality by 15–25%.30 A meta-analysis of calcium and vitamin D
intake from the National Health Nutritional Survey revealed a 33%
reduced risk of developing Type II diabetes.31 In addition, other
studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency was associated with
an increased decline in neurocognitive function and increased risk
for depression, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.32,33
Although there are few well-controlled randomized controlled
trials to support many of these beneficial association effects of
vitamin D for overall health and well-being, there are several
recent trials that corroborate these association studies. A study in
postmenopausal women who received 1,500 mg of calcium and
1,100 IUs of vitamin D3 supplementation daily for 4 years reduced
overall risk of developing cancer by more than 60%.34 Gagnon et al.35
reported in a prospective study of 4,164 adults (mean age 50 years)
that after 5 years of follow-up, adults with a blood level of 25(OH)D
less than 18 ng/mL and 18–23 ng/mL had a 141% and 174% increased
risk for developing metabolic syndrome compared to adults who had
a blood level of 25(OH)D greater than 34 ng/mL. This is consistent
with Deleskog et al.36 who provided compelling evidence that
vitamin D deficiency accelerates the progression from metabolic
syndrome to Type II diabetes. After a full adjustment for confounding
variables, a 42% reduction in risk of progression to Type II diabetes
was found in adults who had the highest circulating levels of 25(OH)
D. When comparing those adults with the lowest blood levels of
25(OH)D to those with the highest blood levels the reduction in risk
of progression to Type II diabetes was 62%.
Section 18
The IOM concluded that improvement in vitamin D status
significantly reduced risk for mortality.7 However, there was concern
by the IOM that blood levels of 25(OH)D greater than 30 ng/mL could
increase risk for mortality. One of the studies that was reported by the
IOM, in fact, stated that there was a significant reduction in mortality
until a blood level of 50 ng/mL was reached and then only in women
was there possibly an increased risk for mortality.37 In a recent
study of 1,801 adults with documented metabolic syndrome, 92%
had a 25(OH)D less than 30 ng/mL. After adjusting for confounding
variables, the investigators observed a 75% reduction in all-cause
mortality and 66% reduction in cardiovascular disease mortality
in adults who had blood levels of 25(OH)D greater than 30 ng/mL
compared to adults who were vitamin D deficient with a 25(OH)D
less than 10 ng/mL.30
MECHANISMS FOR NONCALCEMIC BENEFITS
OF VITAMIN D
Essentially every tissue and cell in the body has a vitamin D receptor.
There have been a multitude of in vitro studies suggesting that the
active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, locally produced in many
tissues and cells in the body is able to directly or indirectly regulate
up to 2,000 genes.2,3 Our recent study in healthy adults receiving
vitamin D supplementation revealed that 291 genes were directly
influenced by improvement in serum 25(OH)D levels.
1,25(OH)2D is a potent regulator of cellular proliferation and
differentiation, induces apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis,
which may help explain its antimalignant properties.38 It is a
potent immunomodulator39 and plays a critical role in helping
macrophages kill ineffective agents such as TB.5,6 This may help
explain observations that maintenance of blood levels of 25(OH)
D greater than 30 ng/mL reduces risk for upper respiratory tract
infections.40 Beta islet cells have a VDR and 1,25(OH)2D enhances
insulin secretion. Vascular smooth muscle has a VDR as do
cardiomyocytes, and 1,25(OH)2D not only causes vascular relaxation
but also inhibits cholesterol oxidation in foam cells.41-44 A recent
study in teenage African Americans revealed that supplementation
of 2,000 IUs of vitamin D3 for 4 months, which raised their blood
level of 25(OH)D greater than 30 ng/mL, also resulted in a decrease
in vascular resistance.45
VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY PANDEMIC
Essentially all children and adults throughout the world are at risk
for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.1 Even in the US where
some foods are fortified with vitamin D it is estimated that on
average 32% of children and adults have a blood level of 25(OH)D
less than 20 ng/mL (Figure 2).46 The study in young children in the
US revealed that 50% of children 1–5 years old and 70% of children
6–11 years old had evidence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency,
i.e. a 25(OH)D less than 30 ng/mL.47 It has been estimated that 50
million teenagers in the US are at risk for vitamin D deficiency or
insufficiency and have a more than 2.4 fold increased risk of having
an elevated blood pressure and blood sugar and a four fold increased
risk for metabolic syndrome.48 This differs from the conclusion by the
IOM that widespread vitamin D deficiency is not a concern in the
North American population.7
These results are similar to what has been observed in Canada,
Brazil, Australia, India, New Zealand, Mongolia, Africa and even
in the Middle East where more than 90% of both children and
adults have been reported to be vitamin D deficient or insufficient
(Figure 2).49-62
Causes for the Vitamin D Deficiency Pandemic
The major cause for the vitamin D deficiency pandemic is the lack
of appreciation that very few foods naturally contain vitamin D and
Chapter 136 Vitamin D Treatment Guidelines
that most children and adults have always depended throughout
evolution on sun exposure for their vitamin D requirement. Skin
pigmentation evolved for people living near the equator to prevent
them from developing skin cancer. However, even their dark skin
pigmentation permitted vitamin D synthesis. Healthy black children
in South Africa have a blood level of 25(OH)D of 49 ± 4 ng/mL,63
similar to adult Maasai herders who are reported to have a blood
level of 47 ± 10 ng/mL.64 Pigmentation devolved as people moved
north and south of the equator in order for them to produce enough
vitamin D in their skin to maintain a healthy skeleton. This was
especially true for females. If they were vitamin D deficient during
their first few years of life, their pelvis would be flat and deformed
making it difficult if not impossible for childbirth.
Because sunlight played such a critical role in providing humans
with their vitamin D requirement, there was no need for there to be
natural sources of vitamin D in the food with the exception of people
living far North and South of the equator where fish, seal blubber,
polar bear liver and whale blubber provided an adequate source of
vitamin D. Even in the US where many dairy products, including
milk and cheese, are fortified with vitamin D, as well as some orange
juices and cereals, it was reported that neither children nor adults
were able to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D from dietary
sources (Figures 2A to C).65
Prevention and Treatment of Vitamin D Deficiency
As seen in Table 1, the IOM has suggested7 that most children and
adults only require 600 IUs of vitamin D daily. Based on a review of
literature, the Endocrine Society recommended8 higher amounts of
vitamin D for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency
(Table 1). For example, studies in adults revealed that 1,000 IUs of
vitamin D daily during the winter in Boston was incapable of raising
their blood levels of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL.66 It is estimated that
for every 100 IUs of vitamin D ingested, blood levels of 25(OH)D
increase on average by 0.5–1.0 ng/mL. To treat vitamin D deficiency
in children 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for 6–8 weeks or 50,000 IUs
of vitamin D once a week for 8 weeks is both effective and safe.67 In
adults, 50,000 IUs of vitamin D once a week for 8 weeks (equivalent to
approximately 6,500 IUs of vitamin D daily) is often adequate to treat
vitamin D deficiency and fill the empty vitamin D tank.68 To maintain
vitamin D sufficiency, i.e. to keep the vitamin D tank full, adults
can take 50,000 IUs of vitamin D once every 2 weeks (equivalent
to approximately 3,300 IUs of vitamin D daily) for at least 6 years
without any concern for vitamin D toxicity (Figures 3A to C).69
Vitamin D toxicity has been of great concern especially for
children. However, it is now recognized even by the IOM that vitamin
D is not as toxic as once thought.7 They recommended that up to
4,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for most children and adults was safe.
A study in healthy adult males receiving 10,000 IUs of vitamin D3
daily for 5 months did not cause any untoward toxicity.70 The IOM
and the Endocrine Society also recognize that patients with kidney
stones or with primary hyperparathyroidism can receive vitamin D
supplementation without concern for increased risk for developing
kidney stones or increased blood calcium respectively.7,8
CONCLUSION
For more than 40 years, it has been recommended by both the
dermatology societies and the World Health Organization that
sunlight should be avoided because of increased risk for skin
cancer. However, little concern was voiced about the significant
health burden that has resulted in this recommendation. There is
very little, if any, vitamin D in the diet and therefore most children
and adults on this planet have and continue to obtain most of their
vitamin D from casual sun exposure. A healthy adult in a bathing
suit exposed to an amount of sunlight that causes a mild pinkness
to the skin, i.e. one minimal erythemal dose, is equivalent to
621
Metabolic Disorders
Section 18
A
B
C
Figures 2A to C: (A) Prevalence at risk of vitamin D deficiency defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 12–20 ng/mL by age and sex: United States,
2001–2006; (B) Mean intake of vitamin D (IU) from food and food plus dietary supplements from continuing survey of food intakes by individuals (CSFII)
1994–1996, 1998 and the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) 1988–1994.
Source: Adapted and reproduced with permission from Looker AC, Johnson CL, Lacher DA, et al. Vitamin D status: United States, 2001-2006. NCHS Data
Brief. 2011;(59):1-8; (C) Reported incidence of vitamin D deficiency defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL around the globe including Australia
(AU), Canada (CA), China (CH), India (IN), Korea (KR), Malaysia (MA), Middle East (ME), Mongolia (MO), New Zealand (NZ), North Africa (NA), Northern
Europe (NE), United States (USA). Source: Reproduced with permission from Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Guidelines for preventing
and treating vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency revisited. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97:1153-8.
TABLE 1 │Vitamin D Dietary Reference Intakes
IOM Recommendations
Life Stage Group
Committee Recommendations
AI
EAR
RDA
UL
Daily Allowance (IU/d)
RUL (IU)
400 IU (10 g)
400 IU (10 µg)
—
—
--—
1,000 IU (25 µg)
1,500 IU (38 µg)
400 – 1,000
400 – 1,000
2,000
2,000
—
—
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
2,500 IU (63 µg)
3,000 IU (75 µg)
600 – 1,000
600 – 1,000
4,000
4,000
—
—
—
—
—
—
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
800 IU (20 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
600 – 1,000
600 – 1,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
4,000
4,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
—
400 IU (10 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
600 – 1,000
4,000
Infants
0 to 6 mo
6 to 12 mo
Children
1–3 y
4-8 y
Males
9-13 y
14-18 y
19-30 y
31-50 y
51-70 y
> 70 y
Females
9-13 y
622
Contd...
Chapter 136 Vitamin D Treatment Guidelines
Section 18
Contd...
IOM Recommendations
Committee Recommendations
Life Stage Group
AI
EAR
RDA
UL
Daily Allowance (IU/d)
RUL (IU)
14-18 y
19-30 y
31-50 y
51-70 y
> 70 y
Pregnancy
14-18 y
19-30 y
31-50 y
Lactation*
—
—
—
—
—
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
800 IU (20 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
600 – 1,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
4,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
—
—
—
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
600 – 1,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
4,000
10,000
10,000
14-18 y
19-30 y
31-50 y
—
—
—
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
400 IU (10 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
600 IU (15 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
4,000 IU (100 µg)
600 – 1,000
1,500 – 2,000
1,500 – 2,000
4,000
10,000
10,000
* Mother’s requirement 4,000 – 6,000 (mother’s intake for infant’s requirement if infant is not receiving 400 IU/d)
Abbreviations: AI, Adequate intake; EAR, Estimated average requirement; IU, International units; RDA, Recommended dietary allowance; UL, Tolerable upper intake
level.
A
B
C
Figures 3A to C: (A) Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in all patients. Includes patients treated with 50,000 IU vitamin D2 every 2 weeks
(maintenance therapy, n = 81), including those patients with vitamin D insufficiency who were initially treated with 8 weeks of 50,000 IU vitamin D2 weekly
prior to maintenance therapy (n = 39). Error bars represent standard error of the mean, mean result over 5 years shown. Time 0 is initiation of treatment,
results shown as mean values averaged for 6-month intervals. When mean 25(OH)D in each 6-month group was compared to mean initial 25(OH)D, p <
0.001 up until month 43; p < 0.001 when all remaining values after month 43 were compared to mean initial 25(OH)D; (B) Mean serum 25(OH)D levels in
patients receiving maintenance therapy only: levels for 37 patients who were vitamin D insufficient [25(OH)D levels < 30 ng/mL] and 5 patients who were
vitamin D sufficient [25(OH)D levels ≥ 30 ng/mL] who were treated with maintenance therapy of 50,000 IU vitamin D2 every 2 weeks. Error bars represent
standard error of the mean, mean result over 5 years shown. Time 0 is initiation of treatment, results shown as mean values averaged for 6-month intervals.
When mean 25(OH)D in each 6-month group was compared to mean initial 25(OH)D, p < 0.001 up until month 37; p < 0.001 when all remaining values
after month 43 were compared to mean initial 25(OH)D; (C) Serum calcium levels: results for all 81 patients who were treated with 50,000 IU of vitamin D2.
Error bars represent standard error of the mean. Time 0 is initiation of treatment, results shown as mean values averaged for 6-month intervals. Normal
serum calcium: 8.5–10.2 mg/dL.
Source: Reproduced with permission from Pietras SM, Obayan BK, Cai MH, et al. Vitamin D2 treatment for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency for up
to 6 years. Arch Intern Med. 2009;169:1806-8.
623
Metabolic Disorders
ingesting approximately 20,000 IUs of vitamin D.4 Thus, the skin
has a huge capacity to produce vitamin D. Sensible sun exposure,
i.e. 25–50% of the time it would take to get a mild sunburn of
arms, legs, abdomen and back, when possible 2–3 times a week at
times of the year when sunlight produces vitamin D in the skin71
is a reasonable approach to help maintain healthy blood levels of
25(OH)D.
There is no question that excessive exposure to the sun especially
on the face and top of the hands increases risk for nonmelanoma skin
cancer, which is easy to detect and easy to treat.72 Melanoma, the
most deadly skin cancer, curiously is found mainly on the least sun
exposed areas and remarkably occupational sun exposure decreases
risk for melanoma.72 Thus, the message of avoidance of any sun
exposure should be modified. Even the skin cancer capital of the
world, Australia, now recommends sensible sun exposure as a source
of vitamin D since it is estimated that up to 40% of Australians are
vitamin D deficient.
The bottom line is that we need to have global recognition that to
improve the overall health and well-being of children and adults as
it relates to their vitamin D status, vitamin D fortification programs
should be enhanced not only in dairy and juice products but also in
grains such as flour and corn meal. In addition, recommendations
for sensible sun exposure should also be embraced by health care
providers and regulators. It has been estimated that there could be as
much as a 25% reduction in all health care costs just by improving the
vitamin D status of children and adults worldwide.
REFERENCES
624
1. Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. New Engl J Med. 2007;357:266-81.
2. Nagpal S, Na S, Rathnachalam R. Noncalcemic actions of vitamin D
receptor ligands. Endocr Rev. 2005;26:662-87.
3. Hossein-Nezhad A, Holick MF. Optimize dietary intake of vitamin D:
an epigenetic perspective. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2012;15:
567-79.
4. Holick MF. Vitamin D and health: evolution, biologic functions, and
recommended dietary intakes for vitamin D. Clin Rev Bone Miner
Metab. 2009;7(1):2-19.
5. Adams JS, Hewison M. Update in Vitamin D. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2010;95(2):471-8.
6. Liu PT, Stenger S, Li H, et al. Toll-like receptor triggering of a vitamin
D-mediated human antimicrobial response. Science. 2006;311:1770-3.
7. Ross AC, Taylor CL, Yaktine AL, et al. (2011). Dietary reference intakes
for calcium and vitamin D. Committee to review dietary reference
intakes for calcium and vitamin D. [online]. Washington DC: The
National Academies Press. Available from http://books.nap.edu/
openbook.php?record_id=13050 [Accessed November, 2012].
8. Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Evaluation, treatment,
and prevention of vitamin D deficiency: An Endocrine Society clinical
practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(7):1911-30.
9. Holick MF, Binkley NC, Bischoff-Ferrari HA, et al. Guidelines for
preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency
revisited. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97:1153-8.
10. Rosen CJ, Abrams SA, Aloia JF, et al. IOM committee members respond
to Endocrine Society vitamin D guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2012. 97(4):1146-52.
11. Priemel M, von Domarus C, Klatte TO, et al. Bone mineralization
defects and vitamin D deficiency: histomorphometric analysis of
iliac crest bone biopsies and circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D in 675
patients. J Bone Miner Res. 2010;25(2):305-12.
12. Heaney RP. Vitamin D and bone health—discussion points following
the Recent Institute of Medicine recommendations. US Endocrinology.
2011;7(2):137-40.
13. Rucker D, Allan JA, Fick GH, et al. Vitamin D insufficiency in a
population of healthy western Canadians. CMAJ. 2002;166(12):1517-24.
14. Holick MF. The D-batable parathyroid hormone plateau. Am J Med.
2011;124(12):1095-6.
15.Holick MF, Siris ES, Binkley N, et al. Prevalence of vitamin D
inadequacy among postmenopausal North American women receiving
osteoporosis therapy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90:3215-24.
Section 18
16. Murad MH, Elamin KB, Abu Elnour NO, et al. The Effect of Vitamin D on
falls: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2011;96(10):2997-3006.
17. Broe KE, Chen TC, Weinberg J, et al. A higher dose of vitamin D reduces
the risk of falls in nursing home residents: a randomized, multiple-dose
study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2007;55(2):234-9.
18.Michael YL, Whitlock EP, Lin JS, et al. Primary care-relevant
interventions to prevent falling in older adults: A systematic evidence
review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med.
2010;153:815-25.
19. Pfeifer M, Begerow B, Minne HW, et al. Effects of a long-term vitamin
D and calcium supplementation on falls and parameters of muscle
function in community-dwelling older individuals. Osteoporos Int.
2009;20:315-22.
20. Hoffman FL. The mortality of cancer throughout the world. Appendix E,
New York: Prudential Press; 1915.
21. Apperly FL. The relation of solar radiation to cancer mortality in North
America. Cancer Res. 1941;1:191-5.
22. Garland CF, Garland FC, Gorham ED, et al. The role of vitamin D in
cancer prevention. Am J Public Health. 2006;96(2):252-61.
23. Grant WB. An estimate of the global reduction in mortality rates
through doubling vitamin D levels. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011;65(9):1016-26.
24. Merlino LA, Curtis J, Mikuls TR, et al.; Iowa Women’s Health Study.
Vitamin D intake is inversely associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis Rheum. 2004;50(1):72-7.
25. Mohr SB, Garland CF, Gorham ED, et al. The association between
ultraviolet B irradiance, vitamin D status and incidence rates of type 1
diabetes in 51 regions worldwide. Diabetologia. 2008;51:1391-8.
26. Ponsonby AL, McMichael A, van der Mei I. Ultraviolet radiation
and autoimmune disease: insights from epidemiological research.
Toxicology. 2002;181-182:71-8.
27. Munger KL, Zhang SM, O’Reilly E, et al. Vitamin D intake and incidence
of multiple sclerosis. Neurology. 2004;62(1):60-5.
28. Melamed ML, Muntner P, Michos ED, et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin
D levels and the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease: results from
NHANES 2001 to 2004. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008;28:1179-85.
29. Wang TJ, Pencina MJ, Booth SL, et al. Vitamin D deficiency and risk of
cardiovascular disease. Circulation. 2008;117(4):503-11.
30. Thomas GN, Hartaigh BO, Bosch JA, et al. Vitamin D levels predicts
all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in subjects with the
metabolic syndrome: the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular
Health (LURIC) Study. Diabetes Care. 2012;35(5):1158-64.
31. Pittas AG, Lau J, Hu FB, et al. Review: the role of vitamin D and calcium
in type 2 diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin
Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92:2017-29.
32. McGrath J, Selten JP, Chant D. Long-term trends in sunshine duration
and its association with schizophrenia birth rates and age at first
registration—data from Australia and the Netherlands. Schizophr Res.
2002;54:199-212.
33. Nimitphong H, Holick MF. Vitamin D, neurocognitive functioning and
immunocompetence. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2011;14:7-14.
34. Lappe JM, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies KM, et al. Vitamin D and
calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized
trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(6):1586-91.
35. Gagnon C, Lu ZX, Magliano DJ, et al. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
is associated with increased risk of the development of the metabolic
syndrome at five years: results from a national, population-based
prospective study (The Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle
Study: AusDiab). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2012;97(6):1953-61.
36. Deleskog, A, Hilding, A, Brismar, K, Hamsten, A, Efendic, S and
Ostenson, CG. Low Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D level predicts
progression to type 2 diabetes in individuals with prediabetes but not
with normal glucose tolerance. Diabetologia. 2012;5(6):1668-78.
37. Melamed ML, Michos ED, Post W et al. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels
and the risk of mortality in the general population. Arch Intern Med.
2008;168(15):1629-37.
38. Mantell DJ, Owens PE, Bundred NJ, et al. 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
inhibits angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Circ Res. 2000;87:412-20.
39.Cantorna MT, Zhu Y, Froicu M, et al. Vitamin D status,
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and the immune system. Am J Clin Nutr.
2004; 80(suppl):1717S-20S.
40. Ginde AA, Mansbach JM, Camargo CA. Association between serum
25-hydroxyvitamin D Level and upper respiratory tract infection in the
Section 18
Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Arch Intern
Med. 2009;169(4):384-90.
41. Zitterman A, Iodice S, Pilz S, et al. Vitamin D deficiency and mortality
risk in the general population: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort
studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012;95:91-100.
42.O’Keefe JH, Lavie CJ, Holick MF. Vitamin D supplementation for
cardiovascular disease prevention. J Am Med Assoc. 2011;306(14):1546-7.
43. Pilz S, Tomaschitz A, Marz W, et al. Vitamin D, cardiovascular disease
and mortality. Clin Endocrinol. 2011;75(5):575-84.
44. Oh J, Weng S, Felton SK, et al. 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D inhibits foam cell
formation and suppresses macrophage cholesterol uptake in patients
with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Circulation. 2009;120(8):687-98.
45.Dong Y, Stallmann-Jorgenson IS, Pollock NK, et al. A 16-week
randomized clinical trial of 2,000 IU daily vitamin D3 supplementation
in black youth: 25-hydroxyvitamin D, adiposity, and arterial stiffness. J
Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(10):4584-91.
46. Looker AC, Johnson CL, Lacher DA, et al. Vitamin D status: United
States, 2001-2006. NCHS Data Brief. 2011;(59):1-8.
47. Kumar J, Muntner P, Kaskel FJ, et al. Prevalence and associations of
25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in US children: NHANES 2001-2004.
Pediatrics. 2009;124(3):e362-70.
48.Reis JP, von Muhlen D, Miller ER, et al. Vitamin D status and
cardiometabolic risk factors in the United States adolescent population.
Pediatrics. 2009;124(3):e371-9.
49. Whiting SJ, Langlois KA, Vatanparast H, et al. The vitamin D status
of Canadians relative to the 2011 Dietary Reference Intakes: an
examination in children and adults with and without supplement use.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2011;94:128-35.
50. Hanley DA, Cranney A, Jones G, et al. Vitamin D in adult health and
disease: a review and guideline statement from Osteoporosis Canada.
Can Med Assoc J. 2010;182(12):E610-8.
51. Lips P. Vitamin D status and nutrition in Europe and Asia. J Steroid
Biochem Mol Biol. 2007;103(3-5):620-5.
52. Rockell JE, Skeaff CM, Williams SM, et al. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D
concentrations of New Zealanders aged 15 years and older. Osteoporos
Int. 2006;17:1382-9.
53. Goswami R, Gupta N, Goswami D, et al. Prevalence and significance of
low 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in healthy subjects in Delhi.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2000;72:472-5.
54. Prentice A. Vitamin D deficiency: a global perspective. Nutr Rev.
2008;66:S153-64.
55. Marwaha RK, Tandon N, Reddy D, et al. Vitamin D and bone mineral
density status of healthy school children in northern India. Am J Clin
Nutr. 2005;82:477-82.
56. Munns C, Zacharin MR, Rodda CP, et al. Prevention and treatment
of infant and childhood vitamin D deficiency in Australia and New
Zealand: a consensus statement. Med J Aust. 2006;185(5):268-72.
57. Maeda SS, Kunii IS, Hayashi L, et al. The effect of sun exposure on
25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in young healthy subjects living
in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2007;40(12):1653-9.
Chapter 136 Vitamin D Treatment Guidelines
58. Sedrani SH. Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D and normal serum calcium concentrations in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh region. Ann Nutr Metab. 1984;28:
181-5.
59. El-Kaissi S, Sherbeeni, S. Vitamin D deficiency in the Middle East and
its health consequences for adults. In: Holick MF (Ed). Vitamin D:
Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications, 2nd edition.
New York: Humana Press; 2010. pp. 495-504.
60. El-Hajj Fuleihan G. Vitamin D deficiency in the Middle East and its health
consequences for children. In: Holick MF (Ed). Vitamin D: Physiology,
Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications, 2nd Edition. New York:
Humana Press; 2010. pp. 469-94.
61. Daly RM, Gagnon C, Lu ZX, et al. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency
and its determinants in Australian adults aged 25 years and older: a
national, population-based study. Clin Endocrinol. 2012;77(1):26-35.
62.Rich-Edwards JW, Ganmaa D, Kleinman K, et al. Randomized
trial of fortified milk and supplements to raise 25-hydroxyvitamin
D concentrations in school children in Mongolia. Am J Clin Nutr.
2011;94:578-84.
63. Prentice A, Schoenmakers I, Jones KS, et al. Vitamin D deficiency
and its health consequences in Africa. In: Holick MF (Ed). Vitamin D:
Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications, 2nd Edition.
New York: Humana Press; 2010. pp. 505-28.
64. Luxwolda MF, Kuipers RS, Kema IP, et al. Traditionally living populations
in East Africa have a mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration
of 115 nmol/l. Br J Nutr. 2012;108(9):1557-61.
65. Moore C, Murphy MM, Keast DR, et al. Vitamin D intake in the United
States. J Am Diet Assoc. 2004;104:980-3.
66. Holick MF, Biancuzzo RM, Chen TC, et al. Vitamin D2 is as effective
as Vitamin D3 in maintaining circulating concentrations of
25-hydroxyvitamin D. J Clin. Endocrinol Metab. 2008;93:677-81.
67.Gordon CM, Williams AL, Feldman HA, et al. Treatment of
hypovitaminosis D in infants and toddlers. J Clin Endocrinol Metab.
2008;93(7):2716-21.
68.Malabanan A, Veronikis IE, Holick MF. Redefining vitamin D
insufficiency. Lancet. 1998;351:805-6.
69. Pietras SM, Obayan BK, Cai MH, et al. Vitamin D2 treatment for vitamin
D deficiency and insufficiency for up to 6 years. Arch Intern Med.
2009;169:1806-8.
70.Heaney RP, Davies KM, Chen TC, et al. Human serum
25-hydroxycholecalciferol response to extended oral dosing with
cholecalciferol. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003;77:204-10.
71. Holick MF, Chen TC, Sauter E. Vitamin D and skin physiology: A
D-lightful story. J Bone Miner Res. 2007; 22 Suppl 2:V28-33.
72. Kennedy C, Bajdik CD, Willemze R, et al. The influence of painful
sunburns and lifetime of sun exposure on the risk of actinic keratoses,
seborrheic warts, melanocytic nevi, atypical nevi, and skin cancer. J
Invest Dermatol. 2003;120(6):1087-93.
625