Effect of vitamin D on the nervous system and the skeletal muscle

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Clin Calcium. 2006 Jul;16(7):1182-7.

Effect of vitamin D on the nervous system and the skeletal muscle.

Nakagawa K.

Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Department of Hygienic Sciences.

The presence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs) in the brain suggest that

vitamin D had functions in this organ and accumulating data have

provide evidence that this is indeed the case. Recently, it has been

recognized that vitamin D behaves as a neuroactive compound

(neurosteroid) largely implicated in the control of brain

homeostasis. Likewise, the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D,

achieved by its action levels of nerve growth factors in the

treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease

(AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).

Recent studies on VDR gene knockout mice revealed that VDR also

regulates behavioural characterization and differentiation of

skeletal muscle. Thus, vitamin D appears to regulate development and

homeostasis of the nervous system and skeletal muscle.