If you have noticed that you are experiencing weight gain, you might want to check your vitamin D levels. It is believed that vitamin D deficiency can lead to many different health issues, including cancer and heart disease.
Low vitamin D levels are linked to cancer and heart disease
There is some evidence that low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased risk of cancer and heart disease. The jury is still out on the mechanism behind this link.
Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated the correlation between a low vitamin D level and a range of cardiovascular diseases. Although smaller, more direct cross-sectional studies have not conclusively shown a relationship between vitamin D and blood pressure in older adults, there is some indication that a high dose of vitamin D might be beneficial in these populations.
Vitamin D is important in the functioning of the immune system and the muscles. It also assists in the absorption of calcium. Some studies have suggested that it may protect against respiratory tract infections. However, other research has been unable to replicate these benefits.
In an effort to further understand the role of vitamin D in cancer and cardiovascular disease, researchers investigated whether vitamin D supplements could reduce the risk of both. They conducted a randomized controlled trial in Finland. This study tested the effects of daily supplementation with 2000 IU of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) on participants.
Among 83 291 participants, the trials did not provide sufficient information to conclude that supplementation with vitamin D reduced the risk of cancer or cardiovascular events. However, they did find that increased vitamin D concentrations were associated with reduced blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension.
A recent meta-analysis of vitamin D clinical trials gathered a large amount of data on the subject. Researchers found that a low concentration of vitamin D was significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. But there were no significant differences in the risk of colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, or breast cancer.
The study included men and women with an average age of 65. Participants received a daily dose of vitamin D3, or a placebo. For the placebo group, 187 cancer deaths were reported.
As expected, the placebo group did not have a significant reduction in the risk of CVD or heart failure. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the risk of stroke.
Low vitamin D may cause bone pain
If you are suffering from muscle pain, bone pain, or weight gain, you may have low vitamin D. This condition can affect both children and adults and can cause a number of health problems.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It is especially important for bone health. When you have a low vitamin D level, your bones can become soft, weak, and brittle. These problems can lead to fractures and osteoporosis.
People with osteoporosis have a higher risk of falling. Osteoporosis causes a decrease in bone mass density and a decreased ability to exercise. Therefore, it is important to have a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
Some studies have found a link between low vitamin D and chronic pain. Researchers believe that the hormone is important for keeping the immune system strong and can help ease pain.
Taking a vitamin D supplement can help you meet your daily requirements. However, the amount you should take will depend on your age and the severity of your problem.
Having a doctor or registered dietitian do a blood test can help determine whether or not you have a vitamin D deficiency. Your doctor will ask you about your health and family history. They will also ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing.
Most people get enough vitamin D from sunlight exposure. However, you can also obtain vitamin D through dietary supplements or certain foods.
Some people have a genetic mutation that prevents them from producing adequate amounts of the hormone. Deficiency can lead to rickets, a disorder in which the bones become soft and weak. A doctor will ask you about your family history and personal experience with rickets.
If you are pregnant, it is important to make sure you are getting enough vitamin D. The fetus requires vitamin D during the second half of pregnancy.
Symptoms of low vitamin D include fatigue, depression, and mood changes. The condition can also lead to bone pain and fractures.
If you are worried about your vitamin D levels, you can order an imaware(tm) at-home Vitamin D test. This will give you results within 5-7 business days.
Low vitamin D may not stimulate the uptake and conversion of free fatty acids
A study in middle-aged men and women showed that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are inversely associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, there was no correlation between vitamin D supplementation and inflammation or major cardiovascular events.
Studies have shown that people with metabolic syndrome (including insulin resistance) have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome is a complex disorder that involves a number of factors, including obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. In addition, people with metabolic syndrome are more likely to have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D may help to decrease the risk of these conditions, but trials have not yet proven this.
Some research suggests that vitamin D supplementation may have an effect on the prevention of breast cancer. Other studies have found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with the development of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, large randomized controlled trials have been initiated to investigate the relationship between vitamin D and cancer.
Vitamin D is important for the production of strong bones. It helps the body use calcium for normal function. Therefore, low serum levels of vitamin D can contribute to the development of osteoporosis.
High-dose vitamin D3 supplements increase the mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Supplementation studies show that a daily dose of 1,000 IU of vitamin D is needed to reach a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of 75 nmol/L.
There is evidence that high levels of vitamin D may be correlated with better colorectal cancer survival. This is supported by a recent meta-analysis that included five prospective studies. The results show that higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations reduce the risk of cancer-specific mortality by 35%.
Vitamin D intake has also been examined for non-cancer outcomes. A 2013 systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 prospective studies reported an 11% reduction in total cancer incidence.
Several cross-sectional studies have also reported an inverse correlation between vitamin D and inflammation. These findings suggest that vitamin D is at least partly responsible for modulating the inflammatory process.
Research suggests that a lack of vitamin D during pregnancy can lead to the development of food allergies in the offspring. Although a case-control study failed to detect a link between high levels of vitamin D during early pregnancy and the onset of type 1 diabetes, careful evaluation of maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy is warranted.
Low vitamin D may not bind to adipose tissue cells
Insufficient levels of vitamin D in the body can cause numerous health problems. One of the most serious is osteomalacia, which is a skeletal disease that can result in fractures. It occurs when the body does not make enough vitamin D. People with dark skin are at an especially high risk for this disease.
A lack of vitamin D can also lead to insulin resistance. This condition makes it more difficult for the body to properly use glucose and therefore can put a person at higher risk for diabetes.
Another problem that can result from low vitamin D is obesity. Obesity can increase the amount of fat in the body, thus reducing the ability of the body to absorb nutrients. Taking larger doses of vitamin D supplements will help prevent this from happening.
The amount of vitamin D that is required depends on the individual’s age and gender. Typically, individuals need about 140 International Units (IU) per day. Some foods naturally contain vitamin D, such as the flesh of fatty fish, beef liver, and egg yolks. However, the amount of vitamin D that is available from these sources is relatively small.
Several studies have suggested that the level of circulating vitamin D can influence the risk of prostate cancer. A case-control study found that males with higher circulating vitamin D concentrations had an increased risk of prostate cancer. Other studies have found an inverse association between the amount of vitamin D in the blood and the risk of prostate cancer.
Studies have also linked low levels of vitamin D to the risk of asthma. Two large prospective cohort studies have examined the relationship between vitamin D intake and asthma. An inverse correlation was observed between the risk of asthma and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations.
Researchers have shown that the rate of progression to type 2 diabetes is lower in individuals who are supplemented with vitamin D. In one study of middle-aged men and women, the hazard of developing type 2 diabetes was 62% lower if they took vitamin D. Similarly, the rate of progression was 19% lower in children who received vitamin D supplements.
