Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)

Category: compound

A secosteroid hormone with immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties beyond its role in calcium metabolism. Deficiency is common in neurodegenerative patients.

Mechanism Detail

Vitamin D3 is converted to 25(OH)D then to active 1,25(OH)2D (calcitriol), which binds the VDR nuclear receptor to regulate 200+ genes. It modulates T cell differentiation (promoting Tregs, suppressing Th17), enhances innate immunity (cathelicidin production), supports neuronal calcium homeostasis, and induces cancer cell differentiation and apoptosis.

Clinical Status

VITAL trial: reduced cancer mortality by 25% in vitamin D-sufficient individuals. Low vitamin D linked to faster cognitive decline. Optimal levels debated (40-60 ng/mL proposed). Widely supplemented.

Relevant Diseases

Relevant Therapies

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