Comparing Vitamin D Status in Central Asia and Northern Europe

Abstract

Over the past two decades, the understanding of the roles of vitamin D has expanded to include many nonskeletal effects such as reduced risk of acute respiratory tract infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, neurological diseases, and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. The role of vitamin D for optimal health is well known in Western developed countries but less so in Central Asian countries. This narrative review compares the status of vitamin D between Central Asian countries and Northern European countries. The analysis also summarizes the evidence for the beneficial effects of vitamin D and recommendations for Central Asian countries.

Is Vitamin D Capable of Helping Us Recover From the Covid-19 Pandemic?

“…Therefore, its functions are not limited to bone metabolism/musculoskeletal system. Vitamin D play a role in several non-skeletal conditions such as infections, malignancies, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases [4]. Over the past year, researchers have focused on examining its potential impact on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with several questions in mind: Does hypovitaminosis D increase the risk of COVID-19?…”