The Emerging Biomolecular Role of Vitamin D in Skeletal Muscle

In this review, we summarize current evidence for a direct effect of vitamin D on skeletal muscle. A number of studies identify the receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D-3 (vitamin D receptor (VDR)) and the enzyme CYP27B1 (1-alpha-hydroxylase) in muscle. We hypothesize that vitamin D acts on myocytes via the VDR, and we examine proposed effects on myocyte proliferation, differentiation, growth, and inflammation.