Research Article
Is 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol a calcium-regulating hormone in man?
Br Med J 1978; 1 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.6124.1382 (Published 27 May 1978) Cite this as: Br Med J 1978;1:1382
- J A Kanis,
- T Cundy,
- M Bartlett,
- R Smith,
- G Heynen,
- G T Warner,
- R G Russell
Abstract
Small doses (1-10 microgram daily) of 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (24,25-(OH)2D3), a renal metabolite of vitamin D of uncertain function, increased intestinal absorption of calcium in normal people and in patients with various disorders or mineral metabolism, including anephric subjects. In five of six patients studied, calcium balance increased, but, unlike 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 24,25-(OH)2D3 did not increase plasma or urinary calcium concentrations. These results suggest that 24,25-(OH)2D3 may be an important regulator of skeletal metabolism in man with potential value as a therapeutic agent.