Vitamin D and Health

Genetic polymorphism
Genome
Genotype
Half-life
Heterogeneous
Homeostasis
Homogeneous
Hypercalciuria
Hyperparathyroidism
Lower Reference Nutrient
Intake (LRNI)
Lymphocyte (B and T)
Macrophage
Minimal erythemal dose
(MED)
Metabolic bone disease
Metabolites
Monocytes
Osteoblast
Natural variation in a gene, DNA sequence or chromosome.
Full DNA sequence of an organism.
Genetic constitution of an individual as distinct from its expressed
features.
Time required for concentration of a substance in the body to
decrease by half.
Varied in content; composed of different parts.
The process by which the internal systems of the body maintain a
balance despite external conditions.
Having parts which are all similar or which consist of only one
substance.
Elevated calcium in the urine. Defined as urinary calcium excretion
> 250 mg/d in women and 275-300 mg/d in men.
Over-activity of the parathyroid glands that results in high
concentration of parathyroid hormone. This leads to weakening of
the bones through bone resorption to release calcium from the bone.
See Dietary Reference Values.
White blood cells that form part of the body’s immune system. B cells
produce antibodies that neutralise foreign bodies like viruses and
bacteria; T cells produce substances that directly and indirectly induce
the death of infected cells.
A type of white blood cell that forms part of the body’s immune
system. Macrophages engulf invading antigens and ultimately
stimulate production of antibodies against the antigen.
Minimum dose of ultraviolet radiation required to produce a just
measurable degree of sunburn or redness. Varies with each individual.
Bone abnormalities usually caused by an imbalance of minerals
(calcium and phosphorus) or vitamin D in the body.
Intermediates and products of chemical reactions in the body.
A type of white blood cell that, in response to inflammation,
differentiates into macrophages and dendritic cells to elicit an
immune response.
Bone cell that synthesises osteoid and facilitates its calcification as
part of the processes of skeletal development, maintenance and
repair.
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