Search Results (243)

Vitamin D (VD), due to its hormonal action, plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, and its deficiency has been associated with musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, fractures, and osteomalacia, as well as a growing attention of chronic conditions and certain cancers. Despite its physiological relevance and widespread prevalence, particularly among older individuals, patients with chronic diseases, institutionalized populations and pregnant or lactating women, clinical approaches to diagnosing and managing vitamin D deficiency (VDD) remain heterogeneous across guidelines and healthcare settings. This reflects a lack of consensus regarding the benefits and limitations of universal versus selective screening, the definition of adequate serum concentrations, and the clinical indications for supplementation across different patient profiles. This narrative review explores key controversies in the clinical management of VDD, including current perspectives on screening strategies and target populations, indications for empirical supplementation, criteria for biochemical monitoring, and therapeutic goals in bone-related outcomes. In particular, the review discusses the rationale for adopting a 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) threshold for adequate serum 25(OH) concentrations in skeletal health, the role of vitamin D and calcium in osteoporosis treatment, and the pharmacological advantages of cholecalciferol compared to other vitamin D compounds. Through a synthesis of available evidence and expert consensus, the review aims to support clinical decision-making in the prevention and treatment of VDD and to identify areas that require further clarification or research. This review aims to support evidence-based clinical decision-making. Full article

Background and Objectives: Vitamins A and D have been reported to improve cancer outcomes. In this work, we reviewed recent meta-analyses, preclinical, and transcriptomics data for these vitamins and combinations for breast and colon cancers. Methods: Searches for meta-analyses, preclinical, and transcriptomic data for vitamins A and D in breast and colorectal cancers were conducted using electronic databases from June 2012 to May 2025. Studies describing the effects of vitamin A and D levels (through diet, supplementation, and serum concentrations) on the risk, prognosis, metastasis, and survival rates of breast and colon cancer patients, and the doses needed to achieve these endpoints, were included. Preclinical and transcriptomics studies investigating combinations of vitamins A and D were also reviewed. Results: The reviewed studies showed an inverse correlation between vitamin A intake and the risk and survival rates of breast cancers. Sufficient vitamin D3 levels were associated with improved survival outcomes, lower tumor grades, and less ER- or triple-negative breast cancers. For colorectal cancers, meta-analyses showed conflicting results for vitamin A, but clear evidence that vitamin D reduced both risk and mortality. Preclinical and transcriptomics studies provide compelling evidence that vitamins A and D combinations may be more effective for the prevention and treatment of breast and colon cancers, due to their significant synergistic effects and the larger number of cancer-signaling pathways impacted. Conclusions: Vitamins A and D reduce breast and colorectal cancer incidence, risk and mortality through multiple mechanisms of action, and offer significant potential as therapeutic and chemopreventative agents. Full article

Introduction: Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a rare, self-limiting disorder characterized by acute hip pain and reversible osteopenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes following treatment with Neridronate, Clodronic Acid, Cholecalciferol, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). Materials and Methods: A total of 45 patients presenting with non-traumatic hip pain were screened using a standardized diagnostic protocol. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified 8 patients (17.8%) with transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH), who were subsequently enrolled in this analysis. Pain was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients received a three-phase therapeutic protocol, including pharmacological therapy and PEMF. Clinical evaluations using the Harris Hip Score (HHS) were performed monthly, and follow-up MRI was conducted at the end of treatment. Results: We identified 8 cases of TOH (17.8%); the mean baseline HHS for these patients was 68.5 (range 51–83, SD 10.36). Pain reduction became evident within the first month of treatment. At the end of treatment, clinical improvement was observed in 7 patients, with mean HHS increasing to 88.0 (range 67–95, SD 8.84). Post-treatment MRI demonstrated complete resolution of bone marrow edema in all patients. One patient developed avascular necrosis despite therapy and required surgical intervention. Conclusions: TOH remains a controversial condition in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are essential to progression to osteonecrosis. A combined therapeutic approach using bisphosphonates, vitamin D, and PEMF appears effective in reducing symptoms, promoting bone healing, and ensuring good patient compliance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D is recognized as a key modulator of metabolic diseases, including metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), in which its deficiency contributes to both disease onset and progression. Despite the widespread and often prolonged use of vitamin D supplementation, optimal serum levels in individuals with MASLD remain unclear and warrant further investigation. Methods: In this study, hepatic steatosis was induced in male and female Wistar rats over a 45-day period. The animals were then divided into five groups (control, 2500, 7000, 14,000, and 21,000 IU/kg/week of cholecalciferol). After four weeks of treatment, the animals were euthanized, and blood samples were collected for biochemical, hormonal, inflammatory, oxidative stress analyses and liver architecture evaluation. Results: High-dose vitamin D supplementation in rats with MASLD induced dose-dependent metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative changes, with some sex-specific differences. Urea and alanine aminotransferase levels increased at higher doses in both sexes, suggesting potential nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects, while creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase remained stable. Adiponectin levels decreased consistently, and leptin levels rose across all doses, indicating a shift toward a pro-adipogenic profile. Pro-inflammatory molecules (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF, C-reactive protein) increased progressively with dose, while IL-10 followed a U-shaped curve. Oxidative stress markers showed elevated protein carbonylation only at the highest dose, a slight reduction in TBARS, and a peak in total antioxidant status at 7000 IU/kg/week. Conclusions: High-dose vitamin D triggers antioxidant responses but drives harmful inflammatory and metabolic shifts in MASLD. Full article

Vitamin D plays a key role in immune modulation, cell proliferation, and hormone regulation. Dysregulated testosterone may contribute to breast cancer progression. We investigated whether long-term vitamin D supplementation affects serum testosterone levels in breast cancer survivors. Complete data at baseline, 12, and 24 months were derived from 253 women with early-stage breast cancer participating in the DEDiCa trial and randomized to receive either a high-dose vitamin D to maintain serum 25(OH)D at 60 ng/mL (group A) or a standard dose to maintain serum levels at 30 ng/mL (group B). Serum 25(OH)D levels significantly increased in both groups (p < 0.001). No significant changes in testosterone concentrations were observed between treatment groups over the 24 month treatment period (A: 0.125 to 0.140 ng/mL; B: 0.162 to 0.193 ng/mL; p = 0.682). Baseline serum testosterone levels emerged as the most significant predictor of testosterone trajectories, possibly modulated by hormone-suppressive therapy. These results are reassuring that vitamin D supplementation did not adversely affect testosterone levels in this population of breast cancer survivors and may partially concur with a healthy lifestyle to equilibrate testosterone levels. Full article

Broiler chickens are commonly reared in closed housing systems with limited exposure to sunlight, thereby relying entirely on dietary sources of vitamin D. The hydroxylated metabolite 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D₃] has been proposed as a more potent form than native vitamin D₃ (cholecalciferol). This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin D₃ alone or in combination with 25(OH)D₃ on growth performance, bone characteristics, and cecal microbiota in Ross 308 broilers. A total of 952 one-day-old male chicks were allocated to four treatments: a negative control (no vitamin D₃), a positive control (vitamin D₃ according to Ross 308 specifications), and a positive control supplemented with 25(OH)D₃ at 1394 or 2788 IU/kg, in a randomized design with 17 replicates per treatment and 14 birds per replicate. Over a 40-day feeding trial, diets containing vitamin D₃ (positive control) or supplemented with 25(OH)D₃ significantly improved final body weight, weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio compared with the negative control (p < 0.01), with no significant differences among the positive control and 25(OH)D₃-supplemented groups, with a clear linear dose-dependent response. Although tibia ash and bone-breaking strength were not significantly affected, linear responses indicated a slight numerical trend toward improved skeletal mineralization with increasing 25(OH)D₃. Microbiota analysis indicated that 25(OH)D₃ affected cecal microbial ecology: low-dose inclusion showed reduced species richness and evenness, whereas high-dose inclusion restored richness to levels comparable to the positive control and enriched taxa associated with fiber fermentation and bile acid metabolism while reducing Lactobacillus dominance. In conclusion, supplementation with 25(OH)D₃ in addition to vitamin D₃ enhanced growth performance and selectively shaped the cecal microbiota of broilers, with suggestive benefits for bone mineralization. These findings highlight 25(OH)D₃ as a more potent source of vitamin D than cholecalciferol alone and support its practical use in modern broiler nutrition to improve efficiency, skeletal health, and microbial balance. Full article

Background: Hypophosphatemia is a frequently underestimated metabolic disorder, yet it can be one of the first biochemical findings in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Current diagnostic and surgical criteria for PHPT do not include serum phosphate, despite its potential value as an early marker. Methods: We report the case of a 79-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and osteoarthritis, followed since 2015 for persistent hypophosphatemia (0.8 mg/dL) and stress fractures. Results: Initial calcium and vitamin D levels were normal, but PTH was elevated. Bone scintigraphy revealed multiple stress fractures, while ultrasound and sestamibi scan were inconclusive. Despite cholecalciferol and calcitriol supplementation, hypophosphatemia persisted. From 2023, progressive hypercalcemia developed (10.9 mg/dL), with sustained hypophosphatemia (1.7 mg/dL), persistently high PTH (121 pg/mL) and markedly elevated FGF-23 (1694 kRU/L). Renal phosphate wasting was demonstrated, with reduced tubular reabsorption. An 18F-fluorocholine PET-CT performed in 2024 identified two right parathyroid adenomas, establishing the diagnosis of PHPT. The patient was referred for parathyroidectomy. Conclusions: Hypophosphatemia may serve as a complementary biomarker in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to PHPT, but only after other potential causes of low phosphate levels have been excluded, as illustrated in this case. Its consideration could facilitate the early identification of PHPT and improve clinical decision-making, particularly in patients who do not meet classical surgical indications. Full article

Background and clinical significance: Paget’s disease of bone involves anomalies of the bone metabolism; however, the presence of tumor-derivate abnormal parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels does not represent one of these disturbances. To our best knowledge, the association with normocalcemic variant of primary hyperparathyroidism has been limitedly reported, and here we introduce such an unusual overlap in a male suffering from osteoporosis. Case presentation: A 71-year-old, non-smoker man was hospitalized for mild, nonspecific dysphagia, asthenia, decreased appetite, and mild weight loss during the latest 2 months. His medical history included cardiovascular conditions and an abnormal PTH level with normal serum calcium under daily cholecalciferol supplements (tested twice during latest 12 months). The lab findings pointed out a normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (PTH of maximum 163 pg/mL, and total calcium of 9.3 mg/dL) caused by a right parathyroid tumor of 1.2 cm, as confirmed by computed tomography (CT). Additionally, CT showed a left humerus lesion suggestive of Paget’s disease of bone, a confirmation that also came from the whole-body bone scintigraphy. The subject presented increased P1NP and osteocalcin, CrossLaps as bone formation, and resorption markers, with normal total alkaline phosphatase. CT scan also detected multiple vertebral fractures and small kidney stones. Zoledronate i.v. (3 mg, adjusted for creatinine clearance) was administered, taking into consideration all three bone ailments (Paget’s disease, high PTH/calcium, and osteoporosis) with further follow-up. Conclusions: This case highlights the following technical notes based on a real-life setting: 1. Despite the mentioned bone diseases, no bone pain was present. Loss of appetite, dysphagia, and asthenia may be a consequence of mineral metabolism disturbances. 2. The panel of blood bone turnover markers levels might be related to both hyperparathyroidism and Paget’s disease; notably, rare cases of Paget’s disease with normal alkaline phosphatase were prior reported. 3. A meticulous differentiation between secondary and primary hyperparathyroidism is required. In this instance, lack of hypocalcaemia and vitamin D deficiency was suggestive of the diagnosis of a primary variant. 4. Kidney stones, osteoporosis, and osteoporotic fractures may be correlated with both conditions, as well, while a dual perspective of the therapy, since the patient was not a parathyroid surgery candidate, included a first dose of zoledronate with consecutive long-term follow-up. To our best knowledge, the co-presence of normocalcemic variant of primary hyperparathyroidism represents an exceptional finding in a patient synchronously diagnosed with Pagetic lesions and osteoporosis complicated with vertebral fractures. Full article

Small ruminant production is a significant sector of agricultural industry in Texas, USA. Heat stress has a negative effect on productivity and animal health. Cholecalciferol, a form of vitamin D₃, may enhance the function of immune cells and help ensure healthy immune function in farm animals exposed to heat stress. Practical applications of vitamin D₃ against infectious diseases can benefit from the protective effects of a delivery system comprised of soy protein isolate and stachyose in emulsion gel. The prebiotic oligosaccharide stachyose has shown to have a great potential as a substrate for beneficial intestinal bacteria, which are thought to modulate the immune system. Cellular and humoral immunity are both impaired in dairy animals under heat stress. The delivery of vitamin D₃ embedded within the soy protein isolate-stachyose emulsion gel resulted in a marked increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25-(OH)-D₃] concentration in blood serum. Chicken egg albumin (OVA)-immunized goats produced low anti-OVA immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses. In contrast, OVA-immunized goats fed vitamin D₃ within the soy protein isolate-stachyose emulsion gel diet strongly stimulated antibody production. These results show that anti-OVA IgG responses can be modulated in dairy goats using vitamin D₃, particularly if this vitamin is delivered in the form of emulsion gel. The results seem to depend on the highly hydrated gel matrix of soy protein isolate-stachyose at the low pH of the stomach as monitored by oxygen-17 (¹⁷O) and proton (¹H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In addition, the prebiotic nature of stachyose may boost beneficial gut bacteria, most notably for immune health and reducing the risk of infectious diseases. Full article

Lipid-soluble vitamins are essential micronutrients that play a vital role in processes such as growth, reproduction, immune regulation, antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory response and cardiovascular health. This study aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of retinol, cholecalciferol, α-tocopherol and phylloquinone in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Six dogs diagnosed with DCM and ten healthy control dogs were selected based on clinical, echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and radiographic examinations. Chromatographic analysis was performed to analyze the content of lipid-soluble vitamins. The mean plasma retinol levels were 0.0285 μg/mL and 0.0495 μg/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively, and the mean cholecalciferol levels were 0.0739 μg/mL and 0.1045 μg/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively. Retinol and cholecalciferol levels were both statistically lower in the DCM group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean plasma α-tocopherol levels were 0.3103 and 0.4322 μg/mL, and the mean plasma phylloquinone levels were 0.03780 and 0.04082 μg/mL in the DCM and control groups, respectively. However, no statistical significance was observed between the two groups for α-tocopherol or phylloquinone levels. Based on our findings, alterations in vitamin A and D metabolism could be associated with the development of idiopathic DCM in dogs. However, given the limited sample size, further investigation in larger populations is needed. Full article

The etiology of schizophrenia remains poorly understood. Although certain risk factors have been identified, effective preventive measures are still lacking. This study investigates potential preventive methods while focusing on the role of vitamin D and its status. The role of malnutrition in schizophrenia risk was first identified in studies on the Dutch Hunger Winter. Vitamin D deficiency was hypothesized as a contributing factor shortly thereafter. This review aims to explore the correlations between vitamin D deficiency at various life stages (maternal, neonatal, adult) and schizophrenia risk, as well as its effects on pharmacokinetics, neurobiology, bone health, and metabolic syndrome. The studies were retrieved from two indexed databases, PubMed and Web of Science, following PRISMA guidelines and included studies published between 2000 and 2024. No correlation was found between maternal vitamin D levels and schizophrenia in offspring while a positive correlation was observed between low neonatal vitamin D levels and schizophrenia in later life. Approximately half of the studies on adults reported mean vitamin D concentrations of below 20 ng/mL which were negatively correlated with gray matter volume and bone health while positively correlated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. Additionally, vitamin D levels were also found to correlate with antipsychotic drug concentrations. Full article

Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis, bone mineralization, immunity, and disease prevention. In a field study with Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, the impact of prepartum vitamin D₃ treatment on early postpartum placental gene expression, focusing on calcium metabolism, feto-placental growth, and immune response, had been investigated. Eight multiparous cows were treated with 10 mL vitamin D₃ (1 million IU cholecalciferol/mL) intramuscularly on day 273 of pregnancy, while eight others remained untreated and served as controls. Placental tissues were collected post-calving, and gene expression was analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Among 23 genes, 5 showed significant downregulation in the treated group: CaBP-9k (reduced by 88.1% from 32.80 ± 91.50 to 3.90 ± 8.54), ESR1 (reduced by 95.7% from 7.89 ± 17.87 to 0.34 ± 0.34), LHR (reduced by 96.5% from 3.75 ± 5.45 to 0.13 ± 0.17), NOD1 (reduced by 94.1% from 4.21 ± 7.00 to 0.25 ± 0.30), and TLR1 (reduced by 99.7% from 24.80 ± 61.45 to 0.07 ± 0.08). These results suggest that vitamin D₃ supplementation affects key pathways related to calcium transport, reproductive function, and immune response in the bovine placenta. These molecular changes may help to explain improved calcium homeostasis and reduced postpartum complications, offering insights into how targeted nutritional interventions can enhance reproductive efficiency in high-producing dairy cows. Full article

Coronary artery disease and vitamin D deficiency are both widespread conditions with a high incidence worldwide. Coronary artery disease is a complex illness with variable manifestation and pathogenesis. It often involves the development of atherosclerosis, and it frequently has serious or even fatal consequences for the patient. Vitamin D receptor expression is found in many tissues throughout the body, which results in a broad effect of the vitamin. Studies have found correlations between vitamin D deficiency and the development of coronary artery disease as well as other cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension. This review will discuss randomized controlled trials conducted from 2020 forward, aiming to elucidate whether vitamin D supplements have the potential to be used as an add-on treatment for coronary artery disease. The randomized controlled trials all used vitamin D as intervention and tested a population suffering from coronary artery disease or the risk of developing it. Even though animal studies found evidence that vitamin D can regulate inflammation, lipid profile, foam cell formation, vessel reactivity, and blood pressure, which are all mediators in the development of atherosclerosis, the results from the randomized controlled trials were ambiguous. The general older population did not seem to benefit from the treatment, but different subgroups such as patients with type 2 diabetes and patients with more developed coronary artery disease exhibited some positive effects from the treatment. Furthermore, vitamin D showed cardioprotective effects following coronary artery bypass surgery, which make it a possible add-on treatment before invasive coronary intervention. The question in focus still needs further research and a more focused approach on subgroups that may benefit from treatment. Full article

Vitamins are crucial micro-nutrients for overall well-being, making continuous monitoring essential. There are demands to provide an alternative detection, especially using a portable detection or a point-of-care-testing (POCT) device. One promising approach is employing an in situ electro-polymerised MIP (eMIP), which offers a straightforward polymerisation technique on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Here, we report a review based on three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from 2014 to 2024 using medical subject heading (MeSH) terms “electrochemical polymerisation” OR “electropolymerisation” crossed with the terms “molecularly imprinted polymer” AND “vitamin A” OR “vitamin D” OR “vitamin E” OR “vitamin K” OR “fat soluble vitamin” OR “vitamin B” OR “vitamin C” OR “water soluble vitamin”. The resulting 12 articles covered the detection of vitamins in ascorbic acid, riboflavin, cholecalciferol, calcifediol, and menadione using monomers of catechol (CAT), 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), o-aminophenol (oAP), o-phenylenediamine (oPD), pyrrole, p-aminophenol (pAP), p-phenylenediamine (pPD), or resorcinol (RES), using common bare electrodes including graphite rod electrode (GRE), glassy carbon electrode (GCE), gold electrode (GE), and screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The most common electrochemical detections were differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The imprinting factor (IF) of the eMIP-modified electrodes were from 1.6 to 21.0, whereas the cross-reactivity was from 0.0% to 29.9%. Several types of food and biological samples were tested, such as supplement tablets, poultry and pharmaceutical drugs, soft drinks, beverages, milk, infant formula, human and calf serum, and human plasma. However, more discoveries and development of detection methods needs to be performed, especially for the vitamins that have not been studied yet. This will allow the improvement in the application of eMIPs on portable-based detection and POCT devices. Full article

Background: The disruption of the intestinal barrier and the imbalance of the gut microbiota (GM) seem to play a major role in the complex pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Specific microbial strains could improve the gut microenvironment, promoting anti-inflammatory pathways; similarly, vitamin D supplementation could play a role in enhancing the barrier integrity and modulating the immune response in the gut. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a new multistrain probiotic, combined with vitamin D, in improving gut barrier function in IBS without constipation. Methods: In this phase IIb double-blind randomized placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter, clinical trial, 35 patients were treated for 12 weeks with OttaBac^®, a high concentration multistrain probiotic plus cholecalciferol, or placebo and were followed up until week 16. Symptoms, quality of life, intestinal permeability, fecal biomarkers, and microbiota composition were evaluated at 0, 12, and 16 weeks. Results: Mean zonulin values showed a significant progressive reduction in the active group (−10.2 ng/mL at week 12, p = 0.0375; −19.5 ng/mL at week 16, p = 0.0002), with a significant difference between groups at week 16 in the per-protocol population (−19.01, p = 0.0053). The active group showed a more stable trend toward improvement in stool frequency and consistency at both week 12 and 16, with a significant improvement compared to the baseline and to the placebo group (−23.2, p = 0.0265, and 5.57 vs. −23.2, p = 0.0492, respectively). No differences were found in regards to the lactulose/mannitol ratio, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) total scores, plasmalemmal vesicle associated protein-1 (PV-1), and citrulline levels. In the active group, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus levels were increased (p < 0.05), while those for Lachnospira were decreased (p < 0.05), and significant changes in Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were observed (p < 0.05). Lactate (p < 0.01) and acetate (p < 0.05) levels increased post-treatment. Correlation analysis pointed out a significant association between the microbial biomarkers and the symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Probiotic plus vitamin D could improve IBS-associated symptoms through gut microbiota modulation and gut barrier enhancement, with persistent benefits after treatment discontinuation. Full article