Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones and teeth. It is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. Skin exposed to sunshine can also make vitamin D. Not enough vitamin D can cause a bone disease called rickets. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called cholecalciferol.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for strong bones, muscles, and general good health.

Vitamin D Biochemistry

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D Overdose

Vitamin D Supplementation

Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes

The Connection Between Vitamin D and Mental Health

The Role of Vitamin D in Hormonal Balance

Latest Vitamin D News and Research

Low-dose vitamin D supplements can increase effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

A study conducted at the Botucatu School of Medicine at São Paulo State University (FMB-UNESP) in Brazil has shown that low-dose vitamin D supplementation can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment in women with breast cancer.

13 Jun 2025

Is it time to rethink dairy? Here’s what 25 years of research reveals for women

A 25-year Finnish cohort study found that higher intake of liquid dairy products lowers the risk of osteoporotic and general fractures in older women. Cheese consumption was specifically linked to reduced hip fracture risk, while overall fracture risk was unaffected by cheese.

10 Jun 2025

Is a vegan diet the right choice for your child?

A new scoping review analyzes current evidence on vegan diets in children, examining health outcomes, growth, and nutritional adequacy. The findings show that well-planned vegan diets can support normal growth, but highlight crucial gaps and the need for ongoing clinical and research guidance.

26 May 2025

Vitamin D supplements help preserve telomere length in aging adults

Results from the VITAL randomized controlled trial reveal that vitamin D supplementation helps maintain telomeres, protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten during aging and are linked to the development of certain diseases.

21 May 2025

Karger Publishers releases free-access eBook "Healthy Aging"

Designed for doctors and health enthusiasts, "Healthy Aging" contains surprising scientific discoveries and practical guidance on nutrition, healthy sleep, maintaining a social network and physical fitness to contribute to longevity.

From S. Karger AG 19 May 2025

Measles cases surge in the United States amid falling vaccination rates

The United States is in the midst of the second-highest year of measles cases since 2000, when the disease was declared eliminated in this country, meaning that cases within the United States originated outside the country.

16 May 2025

Early vitamin D deficiency increases risk of ADHD, schizophrenia and autism

Newborn babies with a vitamin D deficiency have a higher chance of later developing mental disorders such as ADHD, schizophrenia and autism, a major study involving The University of Queensland has found.

14 May 2025

Lipid accumulation levels reveal hidden osteoporosis risk

Researchers investigate the use of lipid accumulation products as a predictor of osteoporosis.

14 May 2025

Low phosphate levels may help explain male infertility, study finds

Men with fertility problems were significantly more likely to have low blood phosphate levels, a mineral essential for energy and reproductive function. Researchers found lower phosphate was linked to poorer sperm motility, suggesting a possible pathway for new fertility treatments.

10 May 2025

Can your diet slow skin aging? New review reveals what helps and what harms

Scientists reviewed recent studies and found that antioxidant-rich diets help slow skin aging, while high intake of refined sugars and trans fats accelerates it. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet may be a practical way to protect skin health and delay visible signs of aging.

6 May 2025

Natural compound fisetin protects blood vessels from hardening

A new research paper was published in Aging (Aging-US) Volume 17, Issue 4, on April 2, 2025, titled "Fisetin ameliorates vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via DUSP1-dependent p38 MAPK inhibition."

6 May 2025

Women face higher depression risk from unhealthy food

A cross-sectional study of over 15,000 adults across multiple countries found that ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption was linked to higher odds of depression, especially in women across all age groups. Healthy dietary patterns were protective in women aged 18–54, but showed no benefit for men.

5 May 2025

Researchers tie childhood vitamin D shortfalls to adult heart disease

Low childhood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were linked to a significantly higher risk of early adult-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The association remained even after accounting for conventional childhood risk factors and persisted across multiple analyses.

30 Apr 2025

UQ begins first human trial of immunotherapy for Type 1 diabetes

Researchers at The University of Queensland have dosed 5 participants in the first clinical trial of a potentially revolutionary immunotherapy drug to treat Type 1 diabetes.

28 Apr 2025

Mediterranean diet helps manage rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s, study shows

The Mediterranean diet shows promise in managing both systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Its anti-inflammatory and microbiota-modulating properties may reduce disease activity and improve metabolic outcomes.

23 Apr 2025

Can a plant-based diet help prevent breast cancer?

A case-control study in Iranian women found that higher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet significantly reduces breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and those with a BMI under 25. In contrast, high intake of unhealthy plant-based foods raised risk in premenopausal women.

22 Apr 2025

Vitamin D curbs colorectal cancer by boosting immunity and blocking tumor growth

Review highlights how vitamin D, particularly its active form calcitriol, modulates immune responses, inflammation, and tumor progression to help prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). Evidence suggests adequate vitamin D levels and supplementation reduce CRC risk and improve outcomes.

21 Apr 2025

Low vitamin D levels damage erectile health via superoxide surge, study finds

Vitamin D deficiency directly causes erectile dysfunction by increasing superoxide and reducing protective SLPI levels, as shown in human tissue and animal models. This breakthrough reveals why low vitamin D may lead to poor sexual health and resistance to standard ED treatments.

15 Apr 2025

Could your milk choice affect migraines?

Skim milk consumption is linked to a lower prevalence of migraines in U.S. adults, according to a large NHANES-based study. The association remained significant even after adjusting for lifestyle, diet, and demographic factors.

9 Apr 2025

Perimenopause can begin in the thirties yet remains widely misunderstood

Hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and insomnia are all signs of hormonal changes and symptoms of menopause, when a woman no longer has menstrual cycles. They can also signal perimenopause, when the body is preparing for this next season of life.

8 Apr 2025