Glossary

B lymphocytes (B cells)
B cells are lymphocytes that play a large role in the humoral immune response. They are the surveillance cells of the immune system that circulate in the blood and lymph, making antibodies to invading pathogens when activated.
BioMed Central (BMC)
An online journal that publishes peer-reviewed research across all areas of biology and medicine.
Blood calcidiol level
The amount of 25(OH)D (calcidiol) circulating in the blood. For proper health, blood calcidiol levels should begin at 75 nmol/L (30 ng/mL), with optimal ranges from 90–100 nmol/L (36–40 ng/mL). When someone refers to vitamin D blood level, they are referring to blood calcidiol level. see 25-hydroxyvitamin D test.
Bone mineral content (BMC)
Also called bone mass. The bone measurement used in growth studies and the single most important determinant of the risk of fracture.
Bone mineral density (BMD)
Measurement of the amount of calcium in bone.