Vitamin D Metabolism and Human Health

Dear Colleagues,

Vitamin D is a key factor in maintaining a healthy status. Various observational studies have reported the association between vitamin D deficiency and an elevated risk of bone diseases and osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity, autoimmune diseases, certain types of cancer, and mental health disorders such as depression and cognitive decline.

Vitamin D metabolism involves multiple organs and complex regulatory mechanisms that convert inactive vitamin D into its active form, which is essential for calcium and phosphate homeostasis, immune function, and overall health. Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, exerts its effects by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is a nuclear receptor found in various tissues, including the intestines, kidneys, bones, and immune cells. Polymorphisms in the VDR gene can affect the receptor’s efficiency in binding vitamin D, its expression, and its ability to regulate gene transcription. Understanding individual genetic variations could aid in the tailoring of vitamin D supplementation strategies. People with VDR polymorphisms that reduce the efficiency of the receptor may require higher doses of vitamin D to achieve optimal health outcomes. In addition, single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes related to the vitamin D pathway may influence the vitamin D status in the body and thus determine the potential response to vitamin D supplementation.

Despite the availability of vitamin D from sunlight and dietary sources, vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide issue, especially in regions with limited sun exposure, darker-skinned populations, the elderly, and those with health conditions that affect vitamin D absorption. Understanding the factors that influence vitamin D metabolism, including sunlight exposure, diet, organ health, and genetic factors, is crucial for maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D and optimizing health. Raising awareness and educating society about the global burden of vitamin D deficiency through research publications could promote the development of solutions to this widespread problem. Long-term studies that track vitamin D levels and health outcomes in diverse populations could provide invaluable insights into its role in the prevention of chronic diseases and promotion of overall health. These studies could be crucial in developing robust, evidence-based public health recommendations. Novel research tools such as genetic testing, personalized nutrition approaches, and advancements in immunology offer opportunities for novel research. Therefore, research on vitamin D metabolism and its broad impact on health is not only highly relevant, but crucial in improving global health. Despite numerous studies, many questions remain, and this makes the topic of vitamin D dynamic and open to further research. This Special Issue therefore focuses on vitamin D metabolism and human health, the analysis of metabolic perturbations (effect of drugs, nutrients, environment, etc. on metabolism/metabolic pathway), diseases and errors in metabolism, and the development of methodologies for detecting metabolites or changes in the metabolic pathway. We welcome the submission of longitudinal studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses on vitamin D metabolism and its impact on human health.

Dr. Magdalena Kowalówka
Prof. Dr. Marta Karaźniewicz-Łada
Dr. Ilona Górna
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• vitamin D
• metabolites vitamin D
• metabolic pathways
• metabolic perturbations
• vitamin D receptor
• enzymes
• polymorphism
• vitamin D deficiency
• health
• metabolic diseases
• nutrition