Vitamin D: Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications

Citation

Holick, E.M.F. (2011), "Vitamin D: Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 81-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2011.41.1.81.2

The role of vitamin D in the diet is attracting more attention not just due to its role in the development of the skeleton but with other functions. Vitamin D is a fat‐soluble vitamin which the body can store for a while, and most people should be able to get all the vitamin D they need from their diet and by getting a little sun.

However, as the Food Standards Agency recommends for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding 10 μg (0.01 mg) of vitamin D should be taken each day. Older people should also consider taking 10 μg (0.01 mg) of vitamin D each day.

Also at risk of a lack are those:

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  of Asian origin;

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  who cover up all skin when outside;

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  rarely get outdoors; and

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  eat no meat or oily fish.

This book provides an extremely comprehensive selection of information on vitamin D, and covers:

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  basic biology;

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  non‐skeletal functions;

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  global analysis of vitamin D status;

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  health consequences of deficiency;

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  sunlight and vitamin D and cancer;

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  vitamin D deficiency and chronic disease; and

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  clinical use of vitamin D analogues.

I found this a fascinating book and having recently worked with a population of people with diabetes, who often had a low vitamin D status, immediately went to that section.

It will be invaluable reading to students and health professional alike.