For the first time in the world, a genetic study at the University of South Australia (UniSA) has demonstrated a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation. The findings help identify people at increased risk for inflammation-related chronic diseases.
Inflammation is important for the body’s healing process, but if it persists, it can contribute to a variety of disorders, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
A study that analyzed the genetic data of 294,970 participants in the UK Biobank, a large biomedical database and research resource containing detailed genetic and health information from approximately 500,000 UK residents, found that vitamins D and C A link between reactive protein levels was demonstrated. , a biomarker of inflammation.
Principal investigator Dr. Ang Zhou said in a UniSA release Monday that high levels of C-reactive protein are produced in the liver in response to inflammation, whether acute or chronic.
“This study looked at vitamin D and C-reactive protein and found a one-way relationship between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein, expressed as inflammation.
“Increasing vitamin D in people who are vitamin D deficient can help reduce chronic inflammation and avoid many associated illnesses.
Research Suggests Adequate Levels of Enough Vitamin D
A UniSA study, supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council and published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found that adequate levels of vitamin D reduced obesity-related complications and reduced risk or severity of associated chronic diseases. suggests that it can be reduced. For inflammation such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and autoimmune diseases.
Professor Elina Hyppönen, senior researcher and director of UniSA’s Australian Center for Precision Health, said the study’s findings address some of the controversy over the levels of vitamin D needed to be beneficial.
“While we have repeatedly seen evidence of health benefits from increasing vitamin D levels in people with very low vitamin D levels, for others there appears to be little or no benefit. ‘ she said.
“These findings highlight the importance of avoiding clinical vitamin D deficiency and provide further evidence for the widespread effects of the hormone vitamin D.”
Less Sun Exposure Increases Risk of Deficiency
People who don’t get enough sunlight are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency.
This includes people with naturally dark skin who need more exposure to produce adequate levels of vitamin D, people who wear skin for religious reasons, people with chronic illnesses or who are institutionalized. This includes people who are incarcerated and rarely go outside, reports the Australian Cancer Council.
People who have previously had skin cancer or who are at high risk are also more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency because they avoid sun exposure.
Individuals who fall into these groups may need to consult a health care professional as to whether vitamin D supplements are recommended.
The Cancer Council points out that excessive sun exposure is never recommended, even if you’re vitamin D deficient.
How much sun do you need?
UVB radiation from the sun is still the best source of vitamin D, and although UVB levels vary by location, time of day, season, and cloud coverage, most people have regular, incidental sun exposure. You can get enough vitamin D from
The Cancer Council says that most people maintain adequate vitamin D levels by spending a few minutes outdoors most days of the week when the UV index is 3 or higher (e.g. during the summer).
However, when the UV index drops below 3, such as in late autumn and winter in southern Australia, it is advisable to spend the day outdoors with bare skin.
Sun protection, including sunscreen, is recommended if the UV Index is 3 or higher and if you spend a lot of time outdoors.