Vitamin D: A New Therapy for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced endogenously from sunlight. The liver converts Vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], known as calcidiol, and the kidney forms the physiologically active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2 D], also known as calcitriol. The Vitamin D receptors in the body convert 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH)2 D. Serum concentration of 25(OH)D is the best indicator of Vitamin D status. Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption from the gut and maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate levels. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.