Handbook of Vitamin D in Human Health: Prevention, Treatment and Toxicity (Human Health Handbooks)

Research and clinical application of vitamin D has increased dramatically over the past decade stimulated by novel health promotion discoveries and documentation. This book brings together key researchers with their views focusing on the health promotion role of vitamin D. Such information is vital to clinicians, users of vitamin D supplements of all ages and those interested in public policy. The authors document and define many of the key health related roles of vitamin D. Its traditional application in bone and muscle health as well as therapy of arthritis is expanded and clarified with new research. A better understanding of the effects of vitamin D inadequacy is modelled using problems ranging from infant growth retardation to chronic kidney and periodontal disease. Uniquely the vitamin's role in resistance and treatment of infectious diseases is shown in examples ranging from HIV/AIDS to tuberculosis. Mechanistic understanding of vitamin D's actions is enhanced by looking into its effects on immune modulation and inflammation. Expansion of the role of sunlight in stimulating vitamin D production is discussed relative to the reduction in a variety of cancers. Clearly vitamin D is like a two edged sword with great benefits but also some risks. This book provides carefully defined examples of both situations. Front Matter....Pages 1-10 Front Matter....Pages 11-11 Vitamin D deficiency in the 21 st century: an overview....Pages 12-36 Vitamin D in health of seniors....Pages 38-51 Vitamin D supplementation and public health policy....Pages 52-64 Front Matter....Pages 65-65 Vitamin D and fall risk....Pages 66-81 The beneficial effects of higher (adequate) vitamin D status on bone growth and muscle strength in children and adolescents....Pages 82-94 Hypovitaminosis D and muscle strength....Pages 96-113 Vitamin D and growth....Pages 114-135 Vitamin D and arthritis....Pages 136-145 High-dose vitamin D supplementation in the elderly....Pages 146-172 Front Matter....Pages 173-173 Vitamin D deficiency and premature death....Pages 174-190 Vitamin D and hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease....Pages 192-205 Diseases affected by vitamin D: sun exposure....Pages 206-224 Immune modulation by UV: role of vitamin D....Pages 226-240 Vitamin D and periodontal disease....Pages 242-253 Vitamin D and cystic fibrosis....Pages 254-274 Front Matter....Pages 275-275 Vitamin D and respiratory infections in infants and toddlers: a nutri-shine perspective....Pages 276-297 Vitamin D in HIV/AIDS: a role?....Pages 298-318 Vitamin D and tuberculosis....Pages 320-353 Vitamin D and dental health....Pages 354-371 Inflammation and vitamin D....Pages 372-390 Front Matter....Pages 391-391 Vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer....Pages 392-416 Vitamin D and melanoma....Pages 418-442 Vitamin D autocrine system and prostate cancer prevention and treatment....Pages 444-463 Vitamin D and esophageal cancer....Pages 464-473 Monitoring in vivo immune modulation by vitamin D in multiple sclerosis....Pages 474-500 Front Matter....Pages 501-501 Vitamin D and insulin sensitivity....Pages 502-524 Vitamin D and diabetes mellitus: where are we?....Pages 526-546 Vitamin D and cardiovascular risk: hype or new hope?....Pages 548-564 Vitamin D and transplantation....Pages 566-587 Vitamin D and bone health among people with epilepsy....Pages 588-605 Front Matter....Pages 607-607 Neonatal effects of enhanced vitamin D and vitamin D for premature infants....Pages 608-631 Lactation and vitamin D....Pages 632-649 Vitamin D replacement in pregnant women in developing countries....Pages 650-668 Vitamin D in pregnancy....Pages 670-691 Design and rationale of the VIT amin D and Omeg A -3 Tria L (VITAL)....Pages 692-709 Back Matter....Pages 711-729 Edited By Ronald Ross Watson. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Mode Of Access: World Wide Web.