Vitamin D and anemia

Abstract

Purpose of review This review highlights recent findings in the emerging association between vitamin D and anemia through discussion of mechanistic studies, epidemiologic studies, and clinical trials. Recent findings Vitamin D has previously been found to be associated with anemia in various healthy and diseased populations. Recent studies indicate that the association may differ between race and ethnic groups and is likely specific to anemia of inflammation. The mechanism underlying this association involves the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines by vitamin D as well as the direct suppression of hepcidin mRNA transcription. There is also evidence that vitamin D may be protective against anemia by supporting erythropoiesis. Other calciotropic hormones, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) have also been found to be involved in iron homeostasis and erythropoiesis. Summary Recent advances in our understanding the association between vitamin D and anemia suggest that maintenance of sufficient vitamin D status may be important in preventing anemia, particularly in diseases characterized by inflammation. Early clinical trials have been promising, but further research is needed to define the efficacy of vitamin D as a future approach for the treatment of anemia.

Vitamin D Receptor: A Novel Therapeutic Target for Kidney Diseases

“…Recent research indicates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with vascular calcification, anemia and cardiovascular mortality in patients with ESRD. Although the primary purpose for administration of VDR activators is for treating secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with ESRD, studies have shown that the active form of vitamin D agonist calcitriol can improve hematopoiesis [ 80 - 82 ]. The relationship between VDR BsmI gene polymorphism, hemoglobin levels, and erythropoietin (EPO) has been reported among maintenance HD patients [ 83 , 84 ].…”

High-dose vitamin D 3 reduces circulating hepcidin concentrations: A pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults

“…Figure adapted with permission from [13] Smith EM and Tangpricha V. Vitamin D and anemia: insights into an emerging association. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2015, 22:432–38.…”

“…Elevations in hepcidin promote iron sequestration within cells of the reticuloendothelial system, thus limiting iron availability for erythropoiesis and hemoglobin synthesis [12]. Recent in vitro studies suggest a role for vitamin D in down-regulating both pro-inflammatory cytokines and hepcidin [13]. Treatment of cultured human monocytes with vitamin D has been shown to decrease the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and down-regulate the expression of hepcidin mRNA [14, 15].…”

Association of hematology profile with serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D and Bsml polimorphism in community-dwelling older adults

“…All studies mentioned above involved individuals with chronic disease, which may explain result discrepancy. Moreover, a specific polymorphism may have different patterns of association in different populations secondary to the various evolutionary lineages 32 .…”