Villa Las Estrellas ( Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbiʝa las esˈtɾeʝas] ; Spanish for The Stars Village or Hamlet of the Stars ) is a permanently inhabited outpost on King George Island within the Chilean Antarctic claim, the Chilean Antarctic Territory , and also within the Argentine and British Antarctic claims.
57-400: The Chilean government considers it to be in the commune of Antártica , in the province of Antártica Chilena , in the región of Magallanes and Chilean Antartica . It is located on President Eduardo Frei Montalva Base , a research station . It is the larger one of only two civilian settlements on Antarctica (the other being Argentina's Esperanza Base ). It has a summer population of 150 and
114-416: A hydroxylation reaction in the liver via the cytochrome P450 system, and in the gut microbiome. The estimated percentage of the population with a vitamin D deficiency varies based on the threshold used to define a deficiency. Recommendations for 25(OH)D serum levels vary across authorities, and probably vary based on factors like age; calculations for the epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency depend on
171-500: A 2-month to 3-month period in 17 clinic patients after they were instructed to take their usual dose of vitamin D with the largest meal of the day. Another study conducted in 152 healthy men and women concluded that diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids may improve and those rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplements. In another study performed by Cavalier E. et al., 88 subjects received orally
228-680: A daily dose determined based on the 25(OH)D level. There are no consistent data suggesting the ideal regimen of supplementation with vitamin D, and the question of the ideal time between doses is still of debate. Ish-Shalom et al. performed a study in elderly women to compare the efficacy and safety of a daily dose of 1500 IU to a weekly dose of 10 500 IU and to a dose of 45 000 IU given every 28 days for two months. They concluded that supplementation with vitamin D can be equally achieved with daily, weekly, or monthly dosing frequencies. Another study comparing daily, weekly, and monthly supplementation of vitamin D in deficient patients
285-439: A darker skin pigment with increased amounts of melanin may have decreased production of vitamin D. Melanin absorbs ultraviolet B radiation from the sun and reduces vitamin D production. Sunscreen can also reduce vitamin D production. Medications may speed up the metabolism of vitamin D, causing a deficiency. The liver is required to transform vitamin D into 25-hydroxyvitamin D . This is an inactive metabolite of vitamin D but
342-455: A loading phase consisting of 50 000 IU weekly of vitamin D for eight weeks in patients with levels < 20 ng/mL and 50 000 IU weekly for four weeks in patients with levels between 20 and 30 ng/mL . Subsequently, long-term supplementation should be prescribed as 50 000 IU monthly. Should pharmaceutical forms suitable for daily supplementation become available, patients displaying good treatment adherence could take
399-486: A role in this study. There is an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in people who are considered overweight or obese based on their body mass index (BMI) measurement. The relationship between these conditions is not well understood. There are different factors that could contribute to this relationship, particularly diet and sunlight exposure. Alternatively, vitamin D is fat-soluble, so excess amounts can be stored in fat tissue and used during winter, when sun exposure
456-530: A safety precaution; this is because healthcare services are limited. A branch of Banco de Crédito e Inversiones operates throughout the year staffed by a sole banker. Santa María Reina de la Paz (St. Mary Queen of Peace) is a Catholic chapel that attracts people from all over King George Island. The nearest airport is the Teniente R. Marsh Airport , the only airport in Antarctica that has an IATA code . There
513-410: A single dose of 50 000 IU of vitamin D3 solubilized in an oily solution as two ampoules each containing 25 000 IU (D‐CURE®, Laboratories SMB SA, Brussels, Belgium) with or without a standardized high‐fat breakfast. No significant difference between fasting vs. fed conditions was observed. Once the desired serum level has been achieved, be it by a high daily or weekly or monthly dose or by
570-1071: A single-dose therapy, the AAP recommendation calls for a maintenance supplementation of 400 IU for all age groups, with this dosage being doubled for premature infants, dark-skinned infants and children, children who reside in areas of limited sun exposure (>37.5° latitude), obese patients, and those on certain medications. To maintain blood levels of calcium, therapeutic vitamin D doses are sometimes administered (up to 100 000 IU or 2.5 mg daily) to patients who have had their parathyroid glands removed (most commonly kidney dialysis patients who have had tertiary hyperparathyroidism , but also to patients with primary hyperparathyroidism ) or with hypoparathyroidism . Patients with chronic liver disease or intestinal malabsorption disorders may also require larger doses of vitamin D (up to 40 000 IU , or 1 mg , daily). The combination of vitamin D and vitamin K supplements has been shown in trials to improve bone quality. As high intake of vitamin D
627-627: A skeleton need to store some fat . Without fat, the animal will have a hard time absorbing vitamin D 2 and vitamin D 3 , and the lower the fat percentage, the greater the risk of vitamin deficiency, which is the case in some athletes who strive to get as lean as possible. Although rickets and osteomalacia are now rare in Britain, osteomalacia outbreaks in some immigrant communities included women with seemingly adequate daylight outdoor exposure wearing typical Western clothing. Having darker skin and reduced exposure to sunshine did not produce rickets unless
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#1732851259951684-478: A study by De Niet et al., 60 subjects with vitamin D deficiency were randomized to receive 2000 IU vitamin D3 daily or 50 000 IU monthly. They reported a similar efficacy of the two dosing frequencies, with the monthly dose providing more rapid normalization of vitamin D levels. Alternatively, a single-dose therapy is used for instance if there are concerns regarding the patient's compliance . The single-dose therapy can be given as an injection but
741-404: A supplement of 400 IU/d , and that babies living north of 55°N get 800 IU/d from October to April. Treating vitamin D deficiency depends on the severity of the deficit. Treatment involves an initial high-dosage treatment phase until the required serum levels are reached, followed by the maintenance of the acquired levels. The lower the 25(OH)D serum concentration is before treatment,
798-539: A weekly dosage is given, up to a total amount that is proportional to the required serum increase (up to the level of 75 nmol/L ) and within certain body weight limits, to body weight. According to new data and practices relevant to vitamin D levels in the general population in France, to establish optimal vitamin D status and frequency of intermittent supplement dosing, patients with or at high risk for osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency should start supplementation with
855-593: A winter population of 80. The Office of the Civil Registry and Identification Service of Chile acts as official registry office with all the responsibilities inherent in this position. There is a Correos de Chile post office staffed in the summer by a postal worker and by the command of the base in the winter. The office receives all its mail from Punta Arenas and is the mail depot and relay station for all mail addressed to any Chilean installation on Antarctica in addition to some other foreign facilities. From here it
912-820: Is a Chilean Air Force Hospital staffed with one doctor and nurse and equipped with X-ray, laboratory, surgery, anesthesia machine, sterilizer, and pharmacy services in addition to limited emergency and surgery capabilities. Two hospital beds are available in addition to a dental clinic. Through a partnership with the Chilean Antarctic Institute and the University of Chile , in emergencies, medical images can be outsourced to specialized health centers in South America and Europe for diagnosis. As of 2018 l, all residents, including children, are required to have their appendixes removed before coming to Villa Las Estrellas as
969-654: Is a vitamin D level that is below normal. It most commonly occurs in people when they have inadequate exposure to sunlight , particularly sunlight with adequate ultraviolet B rays (UVB). Vitamin D deficiency can also be caused by inadequate nutritional intake of vitamin D; disorders that limit vitamin D absorption; and disorders that impair the conversion of vitamin D to active metabolites , including certain liver , kidney , and hereditary disorders . Deficiency impairs bone mineralization , leading to bone-softening diseases, such as rickets in children. It can also worsen osteomalacia and osteoporosis in adults, increasing
1026-512: Is a cause of raised calcium levels ( hypercalcemia ), the addition of vitamin K may be beneficial in helping to prevent vascular calcification, particularly in people with chronic kidney disease . Not all D3 deficiencies can be effectively supplemented or treated with vitamin D3 on its own. Older people or those who have fatty liver or metabolic syndrome have a reduced ability to absorb vitamin D3. In addition, in overweight or obese persons, excessive adipose tissue can sequester D3 from
1083-459: Is a necessary precursor (building block) to create the active form of vitamin D. The kidneys are responsible for converting 25-hydroxyvitamin D to 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D. This is the active form of vitamin D in the body. Kidney disease reduces 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D formation, leading to a deficiency of the effects of vitamin D. Intestinal conditions that result in malabsorption of nutrients may also contribute to vitamin D deficiency by decreasing
1140-588: Is created. Exposure to photons (light) at specific wavelengths of narrowband UVB enables the body to produce vitamin D to treat vitamin D deficiency. In the United States and Canada as of 2016, the amount of vitamin D recommended is 400 IU per day for children, 600 IU/d for adults up to age 70, and 800 IU/d for people over age 70. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that pregnant or breastfeeding women consider taking 2000 IU/day, that all babies who are exclusively breastfed receive
1197-459: Is delivered by hand, plane, or helicopter. The post office is also an attraction for tourists and philately enthusiasts that travel to the town to send postcards and letters with an Antarctic postmark. The town is in the Piloto Pardo census district. The people of Villa Las Estrellas live in a community that has fourteen 90 m² (970 sq. ft.) homes. Juan Pablo Camacho , the first Chilean born in
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#17328512599511254-535: Is equivalent to 2.5 nanomoles per litre ( 2.5 nmol/L ). Vitamin D levels falling within this normal range prevent clinical manifestations of vitamin D insufficiency as well as vitamin D toxicity . In most cases, vitamin D deficiency is almost asymptomatic. It may only be detected on blood tests but is the cause of some bone diseases and is associated with other conditions: Those most likely to be affected by vitamin D deficiency are people with little exposure to sunlight. Certain climates, dress habits,
1311-459: Is evidence that vitamin D 3 raises 25(OH)D blood levels more effectively than vitamin D 2 , other evidence indicates that D 2 and D 3 are equal for maintaining 25(OH)D status. For treating rickets, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended that pediatric patients receive an initial two to three months of treatment with "high-dose" vitamin D therapy. In this regime,
1368-460: Is limited. The use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 8 can theoretically inhibit more than 95% of vitamin D production in the skin. In practice, however, sunscreen is applied so as to have a negligible effect on vitamin D status. The vitamin D status of those in Australia and New Zealand is unlikely to have been affected by campaigns advocating sunscreen. Instead, wearing clothing
1425-423: Is more effective at reducing the amount of skin exposed to UVB and reducing natural vitamin D synthesis. Clothing that covers a large portion of the skin, when worn on a consistent and regular basis, such as the burqa , is correlated with lower vitamin D levels and an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Regions far from the equator have a high seasonal variation of the amount and intensity of sunlight. In
1482-471: Is necessary for naturally darker skinned people to produce the same amount of vitamin D as those with light skin. Rates of vitamin D deficiency are higher among people with untreated celiac disease , inflammatory bowel disease , exocrine pancreatic insufficiency from cystic fibrosis , and short bowel syndrome , which can all produce problems of malabsorption . Vitamin D deficiency is also more common after surgical procedures that reduce absorption from
1539-488: Is no regular scheduled public service to the airport, although Aerovías DAP has some charter flights from Punta Arenas . According to Köppen ET , Villa Las Estrellas has a marine polar climate ; i.e., winter temperatures are typically milder than other, comparably well-populated, arctic or near-polar regions (especially inland areas), such as parts of Alaska , Canada , Greenland , Iceland , Russia and Siberia , or northern Norway , Finland , or Sweden . However,
1596-520: Is normally given in form of oral medication. The presence of a meal and the fat content of that meal may also be important. Because vitamin D is fat-soluble , it is hypothesized that absorption would be improved if patients are instructed to take their supplement with a meal. Raimundo et al. performed different studies confirming that a high-fat meal increased the absorption of vitamin D3 as measured by serum 25(OH) D. A clinical report indicated that serum 25(OH) D levels increased by an average of 57% over
1653-471: Is not usually used to determine vitamin D status because it often is regulated by other hormones in the body such as parathyroid hormone . The levels of 1,25(OH)D can remain normal even when a person may be vitamin D deficient. Serum level of 25(OH)D is the laboratory test ordered to indicate whether or not a person has vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. It is also considered reasonable to treat at-risk persons with vitamin D supplementation without checking
1710-420: Is often fortified with vitamin D; sometimes bread, juices, and other dairy products are fortified with vitamin D. Many multivitamins contain vitamin D in different amounts. Vitamin D deficiency is typically diagnosed by measuring the concentration of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, which is the most accurate measure of stores of vitamin D in the body. One nanogram per millilitre ( 1 ng/mL )
1767-506: Is recommended. The official recommendation from the United States Preventive Services Task Force is that for persons that do not fall within an at-risk population and are asymptomatic, there is not enough evidence to prove that there is any benefit in screening for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin-D overdose is impossible from UV exposure: the skin reaches an equilibrium where the vitamin degrades as fast as it
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1824-488: Is the only such case. As a commune, Antártica is a third-level administrative division of Chile administered by a municipal council , headed by an alcalde who is directly elected every four years. The 2016-2020 alcalde is Patricio Fernández (DC). The communal council has the following members: Daniel Fernando Valdebenito Contreras (PS) Ángela Barría Barrientos (RN) Juan Velásquez (PS) Carolina Guenel González (DC) Francis Delgado Ibaceta (RN) Paola Speake Ojeda (DC) Within
1881-810: The Chilean Antarctic Territory (the territory in Antarctica claimed by Chile ). It ranges from 53°W to 90°W and from the South Pole to 60°S, overlapping the Argentine and British Antarctic claims, and is the largest and least populated commune in Chile, being over 25 times the size of the next largest commune, Natales . It is administered by the Cabo de Hornos municipality in the South American mainland. Antártica
1938-813: The UK , the prevalence of low vitamin D status in children and adolescents is found to be higher in winter than in summer. Lifestyle factors such as indoor versus outdoor work and time spent in outdoor recreation play an important role. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with urbanisation in terms of both air pollution, which blocks UV light, and an increase in the number of people working indoors. The elderly are generally exposed to less UV light due to hospitalisation, immobility, institutionalisation, and being housebound, leading to decreased levels of vitamin D. Because of melanin which enables natural sun protection, dark-skinned people are susceptible to vitamin D deficiency. Three to five times greater sun exposure
1995-511: The circulation and reduce its access to other tissues. With age or in obesity, metabolic activation of D3 may be reduced by liver steatosis or by microbiome imbalance. Since Vitamin D is fat-soluble, it's advised to be taken with a meal high in fat since it significantly increase its uptake in healthy individuals. For vitamin D3 to perform its hormonal roles, it is converted into its biologically active metabolite, calcifediol , also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 , an activation occurring by
2052-729: The electoral divisions of Chile , Antártica is represented in the Chamber of Deputies by Juan Morano ( PDC ) and Gabriel Boric ( Ind. ) as part of the 60th electoral district, which includes the entire Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region . The commune is represented in the Senate by Carlos Bianchi Chelech (Ind.) and Carolina Goic ( PDC ) as part of the 19th senatorial constituency (Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region). 75°00′00″S 71°30′00″W / 75.0000°S 71.5000°W / -75.0000; -71.5000 Vitamin D deficiency Vitamin D deficiency or hypovitaminosis D
2109-553: The Antarctic region, was born at Villa Las Estrellas in November 1984. F-50 "Villa Las Estrellas" School, a 1st–8th grade primary school staffed by two teachers that are responsible for providing education for the community's children, operated for 33 years until 2018, during which it educated over 300 children. As of 2014, there were 6 students. Library No. 291 has a collection of books and magazines that are available upon request. There
2166-813: The US population; in Denver , almost two-thirds of 500 children had mild rickets in the late 1920s. An increase in the proportion of animal protein in the 20th-century American diet coupled with increased consumption of milk fortified with relatively small quantities of vitamin D coincided with a dramatic decline in the number of rickets cases. One study of children in a hospital in Uganda, however, showed no significant difference in vitamin D levels of malnourished children compared to non-malnourished children. Because both groups were at risk due to darker skin pigmentation, both groups had vitamin D deficiency. Nutritional status did not appear to play
2223-483: The amount of vitamin D absorbed via diet. In addition, a vitamin D deficiency may lead to decreased absorption of calcium by the intestines , resulting in increased production of osteoclasts that may break down a person's bone matrix. In states of hypocalcemia , calcium will leave the bones and may give rise to secondary hyperparathyroidism , which is a response by the body to increase serum calcium levels. The body does this by increasing uptake of calcium by
2280-548: The avoidance of sun exposure and the use of too much sunscreen protection can all limit the production of vitamin D. Elderly people have a higher risk of having a vitamin D deficiency due to a combination of several risk factors, including decreased sunlight exposure, decreased intake of vitamin D in the diet, and decreased skin thickness, which leads to further decreased absorption of vitamin D from sunlight. Since vitamin D 3 ( cholecalciferol ) and vitamin D 2 ( ergocalciferol ) are fat-soluble , humans and other animals with
2337-490: The commune an entirely rural area . The population fell by 11.5% (15 people) between the 2002 and 2012 censuses. This does not include the staff of non-Chilean bases in the area. The commune consists of two census districts: The commune is governed from Puerto Williams in the Cabo de Hornos commune from its municipal office located at O'Higgins 165. Chilean law allows a municipality to govern more than one commune, however, this
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2394-534: The daily dose of cholecalciferol is 1000 IU for newborns, 1000 to 5000 IU for 1- to 12-month-old infants, and 5000 IU for patients over 1 year of age. For adults, other dosages have been called for. A review of 2008/2009 recommended dosages of 1000 IU cholecalciferol per 10 ng/mL required serum increase, to be given daily over two to three months. In another proposed cholecalciferol loading dose guideline for vitamin D-deficient adults,
2451-472: The development of rickets was determined by Edward Mellanby between 1918 and 1920. In 1921, Elmer McCollum identified an antirachitic substance found in certain fats that could prevent rickets. Because the newly discovered substance was the fourth vitamin identified, it was called vitamin D. The 1928 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Adolf Windaus , who discovered the steroid 7-dehydrocholesterol ,
2508-433: The diet deviated from a Western omnivore pattern characterized by high intakes of meat, fish, and eggs and low intakes of high-extraction cereals . In sunny countries where rickets occurs among older toddlers and children, the rickets has been attributed to low dietary calcium intakes. This is characteristic of cereal-based diets with limited access to dairy products. Rickets was formerly a major public health problem among
2565-475: The higher is the dosage that is needed in order to quickly reach an acceptable serum level. The initial high-dosage treatment can be given on a daily or weekly basis or can be given in form of one or several single doses (also known as stoss therapy , from the German word Stoß , meaning "push"). Therapy prescriptions vary, and there is no consensus yet on how best to arrive at an optimum serum level. While there
2622-502: The human inhabitants. Sunshine levels also become extremely low, leading to potential vitamin D deficiencies or depression . The yearly mean temperature of −2.3 °C (27.9 °F) is, still, quite gentle for the Antarctic, and milder than many places with vegetation. Ant%C3%A1rtica Antártica is a Chilean commune in Antártica Chilena Province , Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region , which covers all
2679-433: The intestine, including weight loss procedures. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in critical illness. People who take vitamin D supplements before being admitted for intensive care are less likely to die than those who do not take vitamin D supplements. Additionally, vitamin D levels decline during stays in intensive care. Vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol) or calcitriol given orally may reduce
2736-442: The kidneys and continuing to take calcium away from the bones. If prolonged, this may lead to osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children. The serum concentration of calcifediol , also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D (abbreviated 25(OH)D ), is typically used to determine vitamin D status. Most vitamin D is converted to 25(OH)D in the serum, giving an accurate picture of vitamin D status. The level of serum 1,25(OH)D (calcitriol)
2793-598: The level of 25(OH)D in the serum, as vitamin D toxicity has only been rarely reported to occur. Levels of 25(OH)D that are consistently above 200 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) (500 nanomoles per liter, nmol/L) are potentially toxic. Vitamin D toxicity usually results from taking supplements in excess. Hypercalcemia is often the cause of symptoms, and levels of 25(OH)D above 150 ng/mL (375 nmol/L) are usually found, although in some cases 25(OH)D levels may appear to be normal. Periodic measurement of serum calcium in individuals receiving large doses of vitamin D
2850-438: The mortality rate without significant adverse effects . Infants who exclusively breastfeed need a vitamin D supplement, especially if they have dark skin or have minimal sun exposure. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all breastfed infants receive 400 international units (IU) per day of oral vitamin D. Decreased exposure of the skin to sunlight is a common cause of vitamin D deficiency. People with
2907-753: The period from 1988 to 1994 22% of the US population was deficient, and 36% were deficient for the period between 2001 and 2004; applying the Endocrine Society standard, 55% of the US population was deficient between 1988 and 1994, and 77% were deficient for the period between 2001 and 2004. In 2011 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention applied the IOM standard to NHANES data on serum levels collected between 2001 and 2006, and determined that 32% of Americans were deficient during that period (8% at risk of deficiency, and 24% at risk of inadequacy). The role of diet in
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#17328512599512964-499: The precursor of vitamin D. Potential anticancer roles of the vitamin D metabolite calcifediol were observed epidemiologically by Frank Garland and Cedric Garland in the 1980s which were later observed clinically by Michael F. Holick and Raphael E. Cuomo . Prior to the fortification of milk products with vitamin D , rickets was a major public health problem. In the United States, milk has been fortified with 10 micrograms (400 IU ) of vitamin D per quart since
3021-433: The recommended level used. A 2011 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report set the sufficiency level at 20 ng/mL ( 50 nmol/L ), while in the same year The Endocrine Society defined sufficient serum levels at 30 ng/mL and others have set the level as high as 60 ng/mL . As of 2011 most reference labs used the 30 ng/mL standard. Applying the IOM standard to NHANES data on serum levels, for
3078-440: The risk of bone fractures . Muscle weakness is also a common symptom of vitamin D deficiency, further increasing the risk of fall and bone fractures in adults. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of schizophrenia . Vitamin D can be synthesized in the skin under the exposure of UVB from sunlight. Oily fish , such as salmon , herring , and mackerel , are also sources of vitamin D, as are mushrooms . Milk
3135-472: The summertime conditions of the aforementioned locales are generally known to be muggy, warm, humid and wet, with millions of biting flies and mosquitoes swarming; by comparison, during the brief summer season, conditions in Villa Las Estrellas are considerably more tolerable and forgiving. However, during summer, the area is, in effect, just barely above freezing, which causes the climate to be hostile to
3192-618: Was created on 11 July 1961, and was dependent on the Magallanes Province until 1975, when the Antártica Chilena Province was created, making it dependent administratively on Puerto Williams , the province capital. According to the 2002 census of the National Statistics Institute , Antártica spans an area of 1,250,000 km (482,628 sq mi) and has 130 inhabitants (115 men and 15 women), making
3249-434: Was published by Takacs et al. They reported equal efficacy of 1000 IU taken daily, 7000 IU taken weekly, and 30 000 IU taken monthly. Nevertheless, these consistent findings differ from the report by Chel et al., in which a daily dose was more effective than a monthly dose. In that study, the compliance calculation could be questionable since only random samples of the returned medications were counted. In
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