The association between Vitamin D and health outcomes in women: A review on the related evidence

Abstract

Background:Vitamin D has a wide range of physiological functions in skeletal and nonskeletal tissues which may play a role in many diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recent evidence regarding the effects of Vitamin D on several health outcomes in women including breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, hypertension, and osteoporosis.Materials and Methods:We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases through March 2016. We included the most current systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the associations of Vitamin D intake and/or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with the risk of incidence of breast cancer, ovarian and endometrial cancers, hypertension, and osteoporosis.Results:Many studies have represented that Vitamin D supplementation and high 25(OH)D levels can decrease the risk of breast cancer occurrence or mortality. However, there is no strong evidence to support the existence of a relationship between Vitamin D and ovarian or endometrial cancers. Furthermore, the results regarding the effects of Vitamin D on hypertension were inconsistent. Although observational studies have shown an association between Vitamin D and hypertension, there is no evidence regarding effectiveness of Vitamin D in lowering blood pressure in several clinical trials. On the other hand, the findings associating the impact of Vitamin D on osteoporosis were more definitive and most studies have represented that Vitamin D may have beneficial effects on osteoporosis.Conclusion:Although the adequate Vitamin D level can play a protective role in the incidence and development of breast cancer, hypertension, and osteoporosis, there is limited evidence regarding ovarian and endometrial cancers.

The Correlation Between Serum Vitamin D Level and Total Antioxidant Capacity in diabetic and Non-diabetic Subjects in Iran

“…For instance, including subjects less than 18 years old or other groups that were excluded from the current study might have changed the overall calculated rate. Possible explanations for the high rate of vitamin D deficiency in Iranian population are lack of exposure to sunlight, skin pigmentation, dietary habits including low daily vitamin D intake and probably polymorphism in the genes of vitamin D receptor (VDR), and vitamin D-binding protein (VDP) (22, 23).…”

Response of Vitamin D after Magnesium Intervention in a Postmenopausal Population from the Province of Granada, Spain

“…In recent years, the interest in vitamin D has increased, due to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide [ 12 ]. Vitamin D plays a key role in phosphorus-calcium metabolism, improving the intestinal absorption of Ca, and regulating bone mineralization and the renal excretion of Ca [ 13 , 14 ]. To prevent poor vitamin D status, the monitoring of risk populations such as postmenopausal women is recommended with a view to preserving bone health [ 15 ].…”

Is There a Difference in Serum Vitamin D Levels and Bone Mineral Density According to Body Mass Index in Young Adult Women?

“…[8] Vitamin D status of young women is important because women need to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D during pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. [9] In general, increased exposure to sunshine and intake of food or supplements with high vitamin D content are recommended for maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels. [10] But, adolescents and young adults, who need to maintain maximum bone mass due to low activity and unbalanced dietary intake, are vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency.…”