Vitamin D Interference in Human Health

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble substance that comes in two forms: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) generally found in some plants or synthesized in the skin through sunlight respectively. Deficiency of this vitamin can contribute to the onset and worsening of various diseases. Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in older individuals but it can be present in any age group and is related to cardiovascular disease autoimmune diseases cancer and metabolic diseases. Skin production of vitamin D is modulated by season latitude time of day skin pigmentation age and use of sunscreen. Its active form 125(OH)2D performs various functions in the body such as bone health homeostasis cellular metabolism and regulation of the immune cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Currently its deficiency is seen as a public health problem worldwide.