title: Vitamin D and the postmenopausal population.
abstract: Vitamin D, a hormone critical to the body's maintenance of serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations, is currently the subject of much scientific interest. Low levels of vitamin D have been observed in many populations and epidemiological studies have suggested a link between this biochemical state and a range of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. While the consequence of vitamin D deficiency is well documented for bone (rickets and osteomalacia), with mixed findings relating to falls and fractures, a causal link between vitamin D deficiency and these wider health outcomes has not been established. If these relationships were found to be causal, the morbidity and mortality resulting from low levels of vitamin D could be substantial; the current evidence base, however, most robustly supports the assessment of serum 25(OH)-vitamin D in the context of specific symptoms, low bone mineral density or biochemical abnormalities, rather than as an entity to treat in its own right or as the basis for a population-wide screening programme.
authors: MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO16 6YD, UK.
authors: Christopher R
authors: CR
authors: Holroyd
authors: Cyrus
authors: C
authors: Cooper
authors: Nicholas C
authors: NC
authors: Harvey
mesh_terms: D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000032:analysis / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D