Vit D controversy

Question 1

What is the right level of Vitamin D?

Answer 1

30 ng/mL

Question 2

What is the relationship of UVR and Vit D?

Answer 2

cannot protect skin from damaging effects of UVR without decreasing formation of vit D

Question 3

What is the active form of vitamin D?

Answer 3

1,25 (OH)2D3

Question 4

When taking blood, what compound is Vitamin D measured?

Answer 4

25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3]

Question 5

Who is at greatest risk for vitamin D deficiency?

Answer 5

elderly; northern latitudes, dark skin, elderly, obese

Question 6

What are sources of Vit D?

Answer 6

sunlight; diet

Question 7

What is the primary cause of epidemic low vitamin D worldwide?

Answer 7

decreased skin synthesis of vitamin D

Question 8

What are causes of reduced skin synthesis of vitamin D?

Answer 8

season, latitude, skin pigment; aging; sunscreen; photprotection;

Question 9

What are disease associated causes of vit D deficiency?

Answer 9

decreased bioavailability (malabsorption, obesity); heritable and acquired disorders; decreased synthesis (liver, renal)

Question 10

What are key genes and pathways associated with vitamin D?

Answer 10

proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis

Question 11

What are the functions of vitamin D?

Answer 11

acts with PTH to maintain normal levels of calcium and phosphate

Question 12

Systemically, what are the results of vitamin D?

Answer 12

increases intestinal absorption of Ca, PO4, Mg;
osteolytic effect on bone;
decreased renal clearance

Question 13

What is the pathogenesis of Rickets?

Answer 13

Vitamin D deficiency leading to softening and weakening of bones associated with bending bones, Fxs

Question 14

What is the Tx for rickets?

Answer 14

food fortification

Question 15

What are adult skeletal manifestations of Vit D deficiency?

Answer 15

osteomalacia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness

Question 16

What are the benefits of vitamin D supplementation?

Answer 16

daily oral supplementation of 800 IU; frail and elderly; enhances strength and decreases from fracture

Question 17

What are the risk factors for individuals with 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels below 20ng/mL?

Answer 17

30-50% increase risk in colon cancer, prostate, breast cancer;
higher mortality from these cancers

Question 18

What are the diseases more common at high latitudes?

Answer 18

CV disease; schizophrenia; depression; wheezing illnesses; autoimmune disease

Question 19

If a person does not get adequate sun exposure, how can vit D be supplemented?

Answer 19

diet (supplements) => Vit D3 better and more effective at maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels

Question 20

What is the avg vit D supplement that should be taken? Who should have more?

Answer 20

600 IU daily; elderly 800 IU daily