The Role of Vitamin D in Anemia

Merryn J. Netting, Karen P Best, Tim J. Green

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Vitamin D may increase the risk, especially when inflammation is present. Vitamin D appears to increase the amount of iron available for red blood cell synthesis by reducing hepatic hepcidin synthesis, a hormone that binds to ferroportin and blocks cellular iron export. An association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), a biomarker of vitamin D status, and hemoglobin concentration has been reported in several studies. The association is weak and is modified by sex, ethnicity, and background rates of inflammation and anemia. Moreover, the association between 25OHD and hemoglobin is not continuous with a threshold effect at approximately 50 nmol/L, above which higher 25OHD is no longer associated with hemoglobin. Randomized control trials do not support vitamin D supplementation to reduce anemia. Studies have been small and in heterogenous groups, with including participants without anemia or inflammation. Larger, well-powered trials are needed ideally in participants with a high baseline burden of inflammation and anemia and low 25OHD.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNutritional Anemia
EditorsCrystal Karakochuk, Michael B. Zimmermann, Diego Moretti, Klaus Kraemer
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
PublisherSpringer
Chapter15
Pages195-204
Number of pages10
Edition2nd Edition
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-031-14521-6
ISBN (Print)978-3-031-14520-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameNutrition and Health

Keywords

  • Vitamin D
  • Anemia
  • 25hydroxyvitamin D
  • Iron
  • Inflammation
  • Hepcidin
  • Observational studies
  • randomized control trials
  • Randomized control trials

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