MOJ Anatomy & Physiology Non Calcaemic & Non Osteogenic Functions of Vitamin D: A Brief Review Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com Introduction Vitamin D was discovered in early 20th century while looking for a cure for rickets [1]. British doctor Edward Mellan [2] by noticed dogs that were fed cod liver oil did not develop rickets and concluded vitamin A, or a closely associated factor, could prevent the disease. In 1922, Elmer McCollum tested modified cod liver oil in which the vitamin A had been destroyed [3]. The modified oil cured the sick dogs, so McCollum concluded the factor in cod liver oil which cured rickets was distinct from vitamin A. He called it vitamin D because it was the fourth vitamin to be named. Vitamin D refers to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and multiple other biological effects. The major natural source of vitamin D is synthesis of cholecalciferol in the skin from cholesterol through a chemical reaction that is dependent on sun exposure (specifically UVB radiation). The ‘sunshine vitamin’ has always piqued the interest of scientists all over the world. This vitamin, which is a ‘hormone’ comes at no extra cost. We just have to expose our body to sunlight and our skin will generate the amount of Vitamin D that is needed for body. It’s an irony that, even though Vitamin D comes at no cost. Hypovitaminosis D is becoming a pandemic in paediatric & adult population in both developing & developed countries as well as in both children [4] and adults [5]. Vitamin D deficiency results in rickets and osteomalacia in children & adults respectively due to impaired bone mineralization and consequent bone damage. Recommendations for 25(OH)D serum levels vary across authorities, based on factors like age, gender, epidemiology etc. Discussion Vitamin D is known for long as a fat soluble vitamin which is involved in bone mineralization. But many tissues and cells in the body i.e., heart, stomach, pancreas, brain, skin, gonads, and activated T and B lymphocytes, have nuclear receptors for vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) receptors [6,7]. Thus, it is not at all surprising that Vitamin D might have multiple biologic effects that are non- calcemic & non-osteogenic in nature. The increased incidence and risk of vitamin D deficiency, has motivated researchers & scientists to further evaluate intake requirements and this vitamin’s role in preventing several other chronic diseases that might be affected or aggravated due to deficiency of the same. Role of Vitamin D in Non Communicable Diseases Diabetes mellitus Type I diabetes mellitus: Several studies have proved that Vitamin D has important role in regulation of Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). When non-obese diabetic mice, who typically develop type 1 diabetes, received 1,25(OH)2D throughout their life, their risk of developing type 1 diabetes was reduced by 80% as studied by Gregori S et al. [8] and Mathieu C et al. [9]. Recent observation by Hypponen et al. [10] that children receiving 2000 IU vitamin D from age 1year onwards tend to decrease their risk of getting type 1 diabetes by 80% which proves the importance & role of Vitamin D in Type I Diabetes. Type II diabetes mellitus: Randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation and risk of type 2 diabetes didn’t have consistent results. Studies of vitamin D supplementation with 4000 IU/d or 120000 IU every 2 weeks in South Asian overweight women and obese men, respectively resulted in significant improvement of insulin sensitivity, compared with placebo [11]. Whereas, another study on overweight adults in Germany found no relationship between vitamin D supplementation (3300 IU/d) with glucose metabolism during weight loss [12]. So the picture Volume 5 Issue 1 - 2018 Department of Physiology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, India *Corresponding author: Swikruti Behera, Department of Physiology, NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa, Visakhapatnam, India, Pin: 531162; Email: Received: September 25, 2017 | Published: January 11, 2018 Mini Review MOJ Anat & Physiol 2018, 5(1): 00157 Abstract Vitamin D insufficiency affects almost 50% of the population worldwide. This can mainly be attributed to lifestyle (for example, reduced outdoor activities, liberal use of sunscreen) and environmental (for example, air pollution) factors that reduce exposure to sunlight, which is vital for ultraviolet-B (UVB)-induced vitamin D production. Vitamin D deficiency is common in all age groups. High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is a particularly important public health issue as Hypovitaminosis-D is an independent risk factor for several non communicable & communicable diseases. Current studies suggest that we may need more vitamin D than presently recommended to prevent chronic disease like Diabetes & Hypertension. Present review focuses on the non-calcemic and non-osteogenic role of Vitamin D and how Vitamin D deficiency might be an important risk factor in increased disease incidence & prevalence. Keywords: Vitamin D; Hypovitaminosis D; Communicable disease; Non communicable disease