Vitamin D as a multisystem regulatory hormone: Molecular pathways, physiological integration, and implications for physical performance.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing mechanistic pathways and physiological frameworks without systematic review methodology.
PubMed 41887370 · doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2026.107001
What was done
This narrative review synthesized current literature on vitamin D metabolism, molecular signaling pathways, and physiological roles across endocrine, musculoskeletal, immune, metabolic, and neurobiological systems. The authors examined the multisystem consequences of both vitamin D deficiency and excess exposure, integrating these mechanisms into a framework focused on mitochondrial function, metabolic efficiency, and physical performance in active populations.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical findings, statistical analyses, or quantitative effect sizes. It qualitatively describes vitamin D as a pleiotropic secosteroid hormone functioning as a multisystem regulator involved in metabolic efficiency, recovery, musculoskeletal integrity, and injury risk.
Why it matters
It outlines a systems-level framework that contextualizes vitamin D beyond bone homeostasis, emphasizing the physiological risks of both deficiency and excessive supplementation on exercise capacity and multi-organ health.
Limits
As a narrative review, it does not use systematic literature search methods, meta-analytic pooling, or report primary patient-level data. Specific optimal serum thresholds, intervention dosing protocols, and quantified performance outcomes are not detailed in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Vitamin D has beneficial effects on mitochondrial function and immune cells.