title: What diseases are causally linked to vitamin D deficiency?
abstract: The classical clinical consequence of vitamin D deficiency is osteomalacia, presenting as rickets in children. This remains a common problem in parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, and occurs when serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are <25 nmol/L. Osteomalacia remains the only problem that is unequivocally a consequence of vitamin D deficiency. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are observed in a wide range of conditions, but consistent trial evidence of amelioration of these conditions with vitamin D is lacking. Monotherapy with vitamin D has not been found to be effective in meta-analyses of trials assessing its effects on bone density, fractures or falls. At present, supplements should be advised for individuals at risk of having serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the 25-40 nmol/L range, or below, with a view to prevention of osteomalacia.
authors.affiliation: University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Department of Endocrinology, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Ian R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D058866:Osteoporotic Fractures / Q000517:prevention & control; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D
keywords: Bone Disease; Bone Metabolism