Vitamin D as a neuroactive substance: review

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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.

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.