1. ScientificWorldJournal. 2006 Jan 26;6:125-39.

Vitamin D as a neuroactive substance: review.

Kiraly SJ, Kiraly MA, Hawe RD, Makhani N.

Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, British Columbia,
Canada. kiraly@shaw.ca

The objectives of this paper were (1) to review recent research on the actions of
vitamin D as a steroid derivative with neuroactive properties and (2) to
highlight clinical relevance and need for more research. Our methods included
review of research from current journals, Medline, and Cochrane Reviews;
theoretical discussion. Scientific research has had a justifiably strong emphasis
on how vitamin D affects calcium metabolism and bone. This appears to have
eclipsed its fundamental actions on several other important systems, including
the central nervous system. Vitamin D as a neuroactive compound, a prohormone, is
highly active in regulating cell differentiation, proliferation, and peroxidation
in a variety of structures, including the brain. Vitamin D insufficiency is not
rare. Historically, focus has been on bone metabolism, which appears to have
caused research bias and evidence bias, distorting physiological importance. The
central nervous system is increasingly recognized as a target organ for vitamin D
via its wide-ranging hormonal effects, including the induction of proteins such
as nerve growth factor. We need more research on this important neuroactive
substance because it may play a role as a relatively safe and inexpensive
pharmaceutical in the prevention and treatment of a number of common
neuropsychiatric conditions.


PMID: 16493517 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]