Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. A lack of vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as osteoporosis or rickets. Vitamin D also has a role in your nerve, muscle, and immune systems.
25-hydroxyvitamin D is crucial for maintenance of musculoskeletal health. Determinants of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations include sun exposure and diet (Vitamin D-rich foods include egg yolks, saltwater fish, and liver. Some other foods, like milk and cereal, often have added vitamin D). High heritability suggests that genetic factors could also play a part.
A GWA study aimed to identify common genetic variants affecting vitamin D concentrations and risk of insufficiency. The study findings establish a role for common genetic variants in the regulation of circulating 25-OH D levels. Indeed, the presence of deleterious alleles at the three confirmed loci more than doubled the odds of vitamin D insufficiency. These findings improve our understanding of vitamin D homeostasis and may assist in the identification of a subgroup of Caucasians at risk for vitamin D insufficiency.1
Related to:
25-hydroxyvitamin D, GC, DHCR7, CYP2R1