title: Vitamin D.
abstract: There is growing awareness and evidence that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in maintaining health beyond its major biological function of enhancing calcium absorption and improving bone mineral density. Research findings suggest a strong relationship among a number of chronic diseases and vitamin D deficiency. Although vitamin D deficiency can occur across the age continuum, older adults with chronic diseases are particularly at risk. This article focuses on the role of vitamin D in maintaining health, current evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with chronic illness, and the importance of vitamin D supplementation.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Planton
authors.forename: Jennifer O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: Barbara J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Edlund
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D