Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin D helps the body use calcium and phosphorus to make strong bones and teeth. It is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in fatty fish, egg yolks, and dairy products. Skin exposed to sunshine can also make vitamin D. Not enough vitamin D can cause a bone disease called rickets. It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called cholecalciferol.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for strong bones, muscles, and general good health.

Vitamin D Deficiency

The Role of Vitamin D in Hormonal Balance

The Connection Between Vitamin D and Mental Health

Vitamin D Overdose

Vitamin D Supplementation

Vitamin D and Type 2 Diabetes

Vitamin D Biochemistry

Latest Vitamin D News and Research

Patients face vitamin deficiencies years after bariatric surgery

A review reveals dangerous vitamin deficiencies post-bariatric surgery, highlighting the need for improved follow-up to prevent life-threatening complications.

30 Jul 2025

Most dairy foods linked to neutral or better health but yogurt stands out for real benefits

A major scoping review of recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses finds that most dairy products are either neutral or modestly protective for heart, cancer, metabolic, and mortality outcomes in adults. Yogurt and other fermented dairy consistently show the strongest health associations, while some risks remain for specific cancers.

28 Jul 2025

Vitamin D supplementation reduces liver inflammation and fibrosis largely through TXNIP

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major global health concern, affecting approximately 1.5 billion people. This life-threatening disease often progresses silently, eventually leading to worsened conditions like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.

28 Jul 2025

Most UK high street self-tests fall short on accuracy and safety warnings

Many self-tests available on the UK high street are unfit-for-purpose and need much greater regulation to ensure they are safe and reliable, conclude two studies published by The BMJ today.

24 Jul 2025

Vegan diets support high-level training, but risks of muscle loss

Vegan diets may enhance performance in semi-professional soccer players, but attention to protein and nutrient intake is crucial for muscle preservation.

22 Jul 2025

Blocking a single gene disrupts vitamin D metabolism and cancer pathways in new cell study

Researchers identified SDR42E1 as a key regulator of vitamin D absorption and sterol metabolism in colorectal cancer cells. Disruption of this enzyme altered cancer-related pathways and cell viability, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

21 Jul 2025

Creatine tops the list as researchers review new ways to fight osteosarcopenia

This review explores how creatine, HMB, prebiotics, and probiotics may support muscle and bone health in older adults with osteosarcopenia. While creatine shows the strongest evidence, all interventions require further research to determine their optimal use.

21 Jul 2025

Goat milk boosts muscle health better than cow’s milk in animal study

Dairy products, especially low-fat and fortified goat milk, significantly improved muscle mass, reduced inflammation, and positively modulated gut microbiota in a mouse model of sarcopenia. These findings suggest tailored dairy interventions could help delay age-related muscle loss.

21 Jul 2025

Study identifies SDR42E1's role in vitamin D pathway

Vitamin D is not only an essential nutrient, but also the precursor of the hormone calcitriol, indispensable for health: it regulates the uptake of phosphate and calcium necessary for bones by the intestines, as well as cell growth and the proper function of muscles, nerve cells, and the immune system.

18 Jul 2025

New review identifies promising and under-researched OTC depression aids

Most people have heard of St John's Wort and omega-3s. But did you know there are a lot more over-the-counter herbal products and supplements out there targeting depression? In our review of clinical trials of these products, we found 64 different over-the-counter (OTC) products that have been evaluated for depression – but with differing levels of evidence for each.

16 Jul 2025

Research explores the link between lower micronutrient levels and chronic pain

Lower levels of certain vitamins and minerals were found to be associated with chronic pain in a recently completed study led by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and published in Pain Practice.

15 Jul 2025

Adults over 80 benefit from osteoporosis medications

People who are older than 80 should be considered for osteoporosis treatment after a fracture to avoid further risk, according to a study being presented Saturday at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, Calif.

12 Jul 2025

New study finds UK mums-to-be miss out on key nutrients

A new British Nutrition Foundation review finds that most UK women of reproductive age fall short of key nutrients before and during pregnancy, with teens and low-income groups most affected. The paper urges targeted, consistent guidance and greater support for healthy weight, supplementation, and plant-based diets.

7 Jul 2025

Why young athletes should think twice before using supplements

Most supplement claims for young athletes are based on adult studies, posing risks. Tailored nutrition is crucial for their growth and athletic performance.

3 Jul 2025

Vegetables and dairy may lower endometriosis risk

A major umbrella review shows that higher intake of vegetables and dairy products is linked to a lower risk of endometriosis, while butter and high caffeine intake appear to increase risk. However, the evidence remains weak due to limitations in existing observational studies.

30 Jun 2025

Genes may determine how early life exposures shape the gut microbiome

Early nutritional and antibiotic exposures affect adult gut microbiota, with genetic background and parent-of-origin significantly influencing outcomes.

19 Jun 2025

Can a Japanese diet help with depression? Large study says yes

A large cross-sectional study of 12,499 Japanese workers found that higher adherence to traditional or modified Japanese diets was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that culturally rooted dietary patterns may support mental well-being, especially among educated adults.

18 Jun 2025

Uncovering unexpected impacts of popular GLP-1 diabetes drugs

GLP-1 drugs show promise in diabetes management, offering heart and kidney benefits, but also highlight the need for vigilance regarding new health risks.

17 Jun 2025

Low-dose vitamin D supplements can increase effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients

A study conducted at the Botucatu School of Medicine at São Paulo State University (FMB-UNESP) in Brazil has shown that low-dose vitamin D supplementation can increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment in women with breast cancer.

13 Jun 2025

Is it time to rethink dairy? Here’s what 25 years of research reveals for women

A 25-year Finnish cohort study found that higher intake of liquid dairy products lowers the risk of osteoporotic and general fractures in older women. Cheese consumption was specifically linked to reduced hip fracture risk, while overall fracture risk was unaffected by cheese.

10 Jun 2025