[Vitamin D--an old vitamin in a new perspective].

Vitamin D, is a secosteroid which, in its active form 1,25-(OH)2-Vitamin D3, has hormone activities. Most cells and tissues in the human body have vitamin D receptors that stimulate the nuclear transcription of various genes to alter cellular function. Vitamin D, appears to have an effect on numerous disease states and disorders, including osteoporosis, chronic musculoskeletal pain, diabetes (types 1 and 2), multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon. According to many researchers there is currently a worldwide vitamin D deficiency in various populations, including infants, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly. The prevalence of vitamin D, insufficiency in the general German population is high. Vitamin D in the food supply is limited and most often inadequate to prevent deficiencies. Supplemental vitamin D is likely necessary to avoid deficiency, especially in winter months. The estimated cost saving effect of improving vitamin D status in Germany might be up to 37.5 billion euros annually.