Vitamin D Council Glossary
- B lymphocytes (B cells)
- B cells are lymphocytes that play a large role in the humoral immune response. They are the surveillance cells of the immune system that circulate in the blood and lymph, making antibodies to invading pathogens when activated.
- Beta-carotene
- The isomeric form of carotene that is widely distributed in nature and most efficiently converted to vitamin A by the body. While excess vitamin A (as retinol) can be toxic to the body, residual beta-carotene is quickly eliminated.
- BioMed Central (BMC)
- An online journal that publishes peer-reviewed research across all areas of biology and medicine.
- Blood level or blood calcidiol level
- The amount of 25(OH)D (calcidiol) circulating in the blood. For proper health, blood calcidiol levels should begin at 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL), with optimal ranges from 125–200 nmol/L (50–80 ng/mL). When someone refers to vitamin D blood level, they are referring to blood calcidiol level. see 25-hydroxyvitamin D test.
- Bolus dose
- An amount of IV medication administered rapidly to decrease the response time or to be used as a loading dose.
- Bone mineral content (BMC)
- Also called bone mass. The bone measurement used in growth studies and the single most important determinant of the risk of fracture.
- Bone mineral density (BMD)
- Measurement of the amount of calcium in bone.
- Bone resorption
- Removal of osseous tissue by osteoclasts. Bone resorption can be part of the normal balance of bone resorption and deposition or part of a pathologic process.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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