Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo 2012 Volume 140, Issue 1-2, Pages: 110-114
https://doi.org/10.2298/SARH1202110R
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Vitamin D in the light of current knowledge
Radlović Nedeljko (Univerzitetska dečja klinika, Beograd + Medicinski fakultet, Beograd)
Mladenović Marija (Zdravstveni centar „Valjevo”, Valjevo)
Simić Dušica (Univerzitetska dečja klinika, Beograd + Medicinski fakultet, Beograd)
Radlović Petar (Institut za onkologiju i radiologiju Srbije, Beograd)
Vitamin D, i.e. 1,25(OH) 2D, is an essential factor, not only of homeostasis
of calcium and phosphorus, but also of cell proliferation, differentiation
and apoptosis, immune and hormonal regulation, as well as other body
processes. Thus, its optimal presence in the body is of exceptional
significance for health, both of children, as well as adults and elderly
persons. Today, it is known that the lack of vitamin D, besides having
negative effects on the skeleton and teeth, also contributes to the
development of various malignancies, primarily of the large bowel, prostate
and breasts, as well as of autoimmune and allergic diseases, diabetes
mellitus type II, arterial hypertension and others. Considered from the
biological aspect, physiological requirements in vitamin D are achieved by
cutaneous synthesis from 7-dehydrocholesterol during sun exposure, while,
except rarely, it is very scarce in food. Having in mind extensive evidence
that sun exposure presents a high risk for the development of skin
malignancies, primarily melanoma, it is clear that humans are deprived of the
natural and basic source of vitamin D. In accordance, as well as based on
numerous epidemiological studies showing the increase of diseases, in the
basis of which vitamin D deficiency plays the important role, next led to the
recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D, regardless of age. According to
current attitudes, it is recommended that the daily dietary allowances of
vitamin D. i.e. the quantity of oral intake that would safely cover the
optimal body requirements should be 400 IU for ages 0-18 years, 600 IU for
ages 19-70 years and 800 IU for persons aged over 70 years.
Keywords: vitamin D, physiological role, recommended dietary allowances