| [ Summary ] |
Vitamin D is an important nutrient wich affects bone and mineral metabolism, and the total 25(OH)D concentration is considered to be a valid marker of vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with chronic kidney disease, and appropriate nutritional vitamin D supplementation in this population decreases elevated parathyroid hormone concentrations without resulting in hypercalcemia. Additionally, owing to the epidemiological associations of vitamin D status with renal outcomes, cardiovascular events, and mortality, vitamin D is expected to exert pleiotropic effects. Recently, polymorphisms in the vitamin D-binding protein gene have attracted great attention because they affect the bioavailable vitamin D levels. This new concept, which may result in fundamental changes in the current definition of vitamin D status, should be further evaluated by both observational and interventional studies in Japan. |