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 ca...

Clinical trials show that vitamin D supplementation at higher levels than previously recommended is beneficial for many conditions. It decreases the frequency of falls and fractures, helps prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduces symptoms of colds or influenza. Benefits are also seen in diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn disease, pain, depression, and possibly autism. Sunlight does...

BACKGROUND Reports on the dose response to vitamin D are conflicting, and most data were derived from white men and women. OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine the response of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] to oral vitamin D(3) supplementation in an African American population. DESIGN Healthy black postmenopausal women (n = 208) participated in a vitamin D(3) supplementation trial ...

A considerable number of studies have examined vitamin D status during pregnancy. Although data from observational studies denote vitamin D hypovitaminosis (deficiency or insufficiency) during pregnancy is associated with a plethora of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, data from interventional (supplementation) trials fail to reveal a significant impact on maternal and offspring health. T...