Vitamin D recommendations: beyond deficiency.

Ann Nutr Metab. 2011;59(1):10-6. doi: 10.1159/000332066. Epub 2011 Nov 25.
Biesalski HK. biesal at uni-hohenheim.de
Department of Biological Chemistry and Nutrition, Food Security Center, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.

Vitamin D plays an important role in regular bone growth and in adequate function of the innate immune system, including barrier functions of mucous membranes. A sufficient supply during pregnancy and lactation protects the child from infectious diseases. Clinical symptoms of severe vitamin D deficiency (rickets) are well known and can be easily detected. Signs and symptoms beyond deficiency, however, remain to be elucidated. Based on clinical and observational data, the plasma level of 25(OH)D may serve as a 'marker' to detect or define a subclinical deficiency. Levels below 50 nmol/l might be insufficient to maintain the non-bone-related activities of vitamin D.

Finally, it has to be considered that all of the nonbone activities of vitamin D are in concert with vitamin A (9-cis retinoic acid).
Studies combining both vitamins in sufficient amounts (cod liver oil) demonstrated a beneficial effect on the prevention of respiratory tract infections.

Consequently, it should be strongly recommended to increase the intake of vitamin D and to ensure a daily intake of vitamin A as counseled.

Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 22123631
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See also Vitamin D Life

• Masterjohn on relationships between Vitamin A D and K – Dec 2010 which has the following graph

• Price and Masterjohn on Vitamin A Vitamin D and Vitamin K – 2010
• Response by Masterjohn on vitamin A thwarting vitamin D – Mar 2010
• Vitamin A may thwart the ability of vitamin D to reduce risk of osteoporosis – June 2010
• Low cost co-factors for vitamin D has the following chart Feb 2012

Co-factor	How Much	Benefit Bone	Bioavailability	Balance body	Notes
Calcium	<750mg	Yes	probably	Yes	Avoid getting too much
Magnesium	500mg	Yes	Yes	Yes	Very important, big range in bio-availability
Vitamin K2		Yes	maybe	?
Vitamin A		maybe	?		need some, but too much is bad
Boron	5-10mg	Yes	25%	?
Silica		Yes	no	?
Strontium		Yes	no	?	rarely available in a co-factor pill
Zinc		Yes	maybe	?

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See also Vitamin D Life

• All items in category Vitamin A 54 items