Vitamin D Council Glossary

Vitamin D analog (Analog,vitamin D receptor agonist)

Synthetic compound based upon variation of one of the naturally-occurring vitamin D metabolites. Vitamin D analogs have been known to adversely affect calcium homeostasis, causing hypercalcemia.

Vitamin D Binding Protein (DBP,gc-globulin,Group Specific Component)

Primary carrier of vitamin D3 and its metabolites to their various target organs. Plays a key role in the operation of the vitamin D endocrine system.

Vitamin D hypersensitivity

Rare syndrome that occurs when abnormal tissue subvert the kidney's normal regulation of endocrine calcitriol production, causing high blood calcium (hypercalcaemia).

Vitamin D level (25(OH)D level,Calcidiol level)

Amount of 25(OH)D (calcidiol) circulating in the blood. For proper health, serum vitamin D levels should begin at 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL), with optimal ranges from 125–200 nmol/L (50–80 ng/mL).

Vitamin D receptor (VDR)

Intracellular hormone receptor that belongs to the steroid-retinoid-thyroid nuclear receptor gene super-family. Vitamin D receptors are present on intestinal, bone, liver, kidney, hematopoietic, skin, muscle, heart, pancreas, adrenal, brain, reproductive, lung, pituitary, thyroid, and cartilage tissues as well as on lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages.

Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1)

Stress-response gene that is up-regulated by calcitriol in many cells.