Vitamin D: the ‘sunshine vitamin', its role and the effects of deficiency

Abstract

This article, the third in our series on vitamins and minerals, explores the biosynthesis of vitamin D metabolites, the role of vitamin D in the body and the effects of deficiency and overdose on human health.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• Understand the metabolic steps involved in vitamin D synthesis

• How vitamin D supports bone health and immunity

• The effects of vitamin D deficiency and overdose

Key points

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Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamins with active forms functioning as steroid hormones

Most vitamin D in humans is photosynthesised by the skin, with small amounts coming preformed in food

Deficiency of vitamin D can cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults

Vitamin D is essential for normal immune function

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to many human diseases including cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases, and neurological conditions