Cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D declines with aging. Ībout 50% to 90% of vitamin D is absorbed through the skin via sunlight while the rest comes from the diet. Twenty minutes of sunshine daily with over 40% of skin exposed is required to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Lower vitamin D intake orally is more prevalent in the elderly population. Decreased dietary intake and/or absorption.Ĭertain malabsorption syndromes such as celiac disease, short bowel syndrome, gastric bypass, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatic insufficiency, and cystic fibrosis may lead to vitamin D deficiency. This active 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D increases intestinal absorption of calcium and bone resorption and decreases renal excretion of calcium and phosphate. Vitamin D deficiency can result from several causes.ġ. Both 25-OH-D2 and 25-OH-D3 are then converted to the most active form of vitamin D (1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D) by the enzyme 1-alpha-hydroxylase in the kidneys. This activity reviews the evaluation and management of vitamin D deficiency and explains the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for patients with this condition.ĭermal synthesis and dietary intake (fatty fish livers, fortified food) are the major sources of ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3), both of which are converted to 25-hydroxy-vitamin D2 (25-OH-D2) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 (25-OH-D3) respectively in the liver by the enzyme hepatic enzyme 25–hydroxylase. Many conflicting studies are now showing an association between vitamin D deficiency and cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and depression.

However, vitamin D deficiency is now more prevalent than ever and should be screened in high-risk populations.

The fortification of milk with vitamin D in the 1930s was effective in eradicating rickets in the world. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to an array of problems, most notably rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults.

A circulating level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D greater than 30 ng/mL is required to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin used by the body for normal bone development and maintenance by increasing the absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate.

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