Vitamin D, 25 hydroxy

Vitamin D3 is produced by the skin endogenously. Vitamin D2 is primarily a plant product and is in many nutritional vitamin supplements. Both Vitamin D2 and D3 are biologically active. Vitamin D is converted into 25 hydroxy vitamin D 25(25-OH D) in the liver. In kidney, it is converted into 1, 25 dihydroxy vitamin D , which is biologically active. 25(OH) D is considered to be a reliable measure of vitamin D status. Vitamin D is important in the calcium metabolism and also absorption of calcium from the intestine. Vitamin D deficiency has resulted in many bone disorders, such as rickets, osteoporosis, osteopalascia, etc. Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Vitamin D is implicated in the immune response, during pregnancy and lactation processes. It is recommended to screen vitamin D deficiency in individuals at risk of deficiency.