title: An update on vitamin D deficiency and at risk groups.
abstract: Vitamin D is required for healthy bones. We need sunlight and good renal and liver function for the synthesis of vitamin D, although it can also be taken in diet. Severe deficiency causes the bone diseases rickets and osteomalacia. Supplementation with vitamin D can help prevent low birth weight and non-vertebral fractures. Roles for vitamin D in other aspects of health are controversial.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blann
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012279:Rickets / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D013472:Sunlight; D006113:United Kingdom; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000097:blood / Q000592:standards / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications* / Q000178:diet therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D