Vitamin D belongs to the group of liposoluble steroids mainly involved in bone metabolism by modulating calcium and phosphorus absorption or reabsorption at various levels, as well as parathyroid hormone production. Recent evidence has shown the extra-bone effects of vitamin D, including glucose homeostasis, cardiovascular protection, and anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects. This narrative review provides an overall view of vitamin D's role in different settings, with a special focus on chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant.
Keywords: calcium; cardiovascular disease; cholecalciferol; chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder; fibroblast growth factor 23; kidney transplantation; parathyroid hormone; vitamin D; vitamin D receptor.