English abstract
abstract: Recently, scientists have generated a strong body of evidence providing new information about the
preventive effect of vitamin D on a broad range of disorders. This evidence suggests that vitamin D is much more
than a nutrient needed for bone health; it is an essential hormone required for regulation of a large number of
physiological functions. Sufficient concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is essential for optimising human
health. This article reviews the present state-of-the-art knowledge about vitamin D's status worldwide and refers
to recent articles discussing some of the general background of vitamin D, including sources, benefits, deficiencies,
and dietary requirements, especially in pregnancy. They offer evidence that vitamin D deficiency could be a major
public health burden in many parts of the world, mostly because of sun deprivation. The article also discusses the
debate about optimal concentration of circulating serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and explores different views on
the amount of vitamin D supplementation required to achieve and maintain this concentration.
