Vitamin D, also known as “sunshine vitamin”, has long been established as an essential component for the maintenance of adequate bone health. Large number of studies are available which demonstrate the various biochemical pathways of vitamin D in bone physiology and its important role in musculoskeletal health. In last five decades, data regarding the non‐bone effects of vitamin D have started to emerge, and now many important non‐bone physiological processes are explained by the biochemical pathways and functions of vitamin D. However, majority of the data regarding extra‐skeletal effects of vitamin D are available regarding adult population. In this chapter, we try to focus on the role of vitamin D in aging and various diseases which are frequently seen in children, adolescents, and young adults such as cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus, allergies, asthma, and various autoimmune diseases.
Part of the book: A Critical Evaluation of Vitamin D