[Vitamin D: evidence and controversies].
Actas Dermosifiliogr, 2011/10;102(8):572-88.
Gilaberte Y[1], Aguilera J, Carrascosa JM, Figueroa FL, Romaní de Gabriel J, Nagore E
Affiliations
PMID: 21620350DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2011.03.015
Abstract
Vitamin D enhances musculoskeletal health and reduces mortality related to bone disease in some populations, particularly the elderly and other high-risk groups. Evidence suggests that vitamin D has an impact in cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune processes, and infections. Epidemiologic studies have also detected vitamin D deficits or insufficiency in nearly all the world's populations. Such evidence has led to debate related, to a certain degree, to photoprotective measures that aim at protecting against skin cancer. The latest recommendations of the American Institute of Medicine consider that serum levels of 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) appear to be adequate in the general population and achievable even with minimal sun exposure. If these figures are reliable, the apparent pandemic of vitamin D deficiency reported in recent years may be exaggerated. This article reviews the evidence and issues under discussion, looking especially at the role ultraviolet radiation plays in synthesizing vitamin D in the skin. The conclusion is that sun exposure should not be used as the only source of vitamin D given that it is also clearly carcinogenic for the skin. A healthful approach combines moderate sun exposure, adequate food sources of the vitamin, and supplements whenever required.
MeSH terms
Autoimmune Diseases; Bone and Bones; Cardiovascular Diseases; Clinical Trials as Topic; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diet; Habits; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Infections; Neoplasms; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Psoriasis; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Spain; Sunlight; Ultraviolet Rays; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
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