Abstract

Vitamin D is an important nutrient required for many functions of the human body including metabolism of calcium and phosphorus, and thus playing a significant role in maintenance of bone integrity. Vitamin D plays important roles in multiple systems of the human body including the skeletal, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, endocrine, and other systems. The main role of vitamin D in regulating bone integrity by maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis is well-established. Several studies including both cohort models and cross-sectional models have reported significant correlation between low levels of vitamin D and reduced cognitive functionality. It has been suggested that the mechanisms involved in neuro-protection, calcium influx regulation and homeostasis, anti-inflammatory signaling, reduction of oxidative stress, neurotransmitter secretion, and neuro-vascularization may encompass the regulatory role of vitamin D in modulation of cognitive functions.

Key words: Vitamin D, cognitive functions, metabolism, calcium and phosphorus homeostasis