Vitamin D Supplementation in Submariners

Vitamin D is primarily recognized for its role in calcium homeostasis. However, recent research has suggested that the functions of vitamin D may be more numerous and complex. This paper is a review of basic physiology of vitamin D, recent research, and how it applies to submarine crews. Epidemiological and cellular research indicate that vitamin D may play a role in autoimmune disorders and cancer formation. These studies are not conclusive since there is a lack of well-controlled, randomized studies in humans. However, it has been established by previous studies that submariners do not receive adequate vitamin D levels from solar radiation or diet. Oral supplementation of 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D2 is recommended based upon insufficiency observed in the past and known and possible adverse outcomes associated with insufficient vitamin D levels.