Neurosteroid hormone vitamin D and its utility in clinical nutrition.
OBJECTIVE
Vitamin D is a seco-steroid hormone with multiple functions in the nervous system. We discuss clinical and experimental evidence of the role of vitamin D in normal and pathological brain functions, and analyze the relative importance of vitamin D-modulated brain mechanisms at different stages of life. We also outline perspectives for the use of vitamin D in clinical nutrition to prevent or treat various brain disorders.


RESULTS
Numerous brain dysfunctions are linked to vitamin D deficits and/or dysfunctions of its receptors. In both animals and humans, vitamin D serves as an important endogenous and/or exogenous regulator of neuroprotection, antiepileptic and anticalcification effects, neuro-immunomodulation, interplay with neurotransmitters and hormones, modulation of behaviors, brain ageing, and some other, less-explored, brain processes.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D emerges as an important neurosteroid hormone in the brain, with a strong potential for age-specific applications in clinical nutrition.
Kalueff
Allan V
AV
Medical School, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. avkalueff@inbox.ru
Tuohimaa
Pentti
P
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D