The role of Vitamin D in common ailments

Low levels of vitamin D in childhood have traditionally been linked to rickets, which thankfully is now very rare.  However, there is a growing body of evidence shows that low levels of vitamin D are linked to a huge variety of current common medical conditions.

Cardiovascular disease

Vitamin D is very important for reducing hypertension, atherosclerotic heart disease, heart attack and stroke. One study showed that vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of heart attack by 50 percent. (see >> https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851242/)

Autoimmune diseases

Vitamin D is a potent immune modulator, making it very important for the prevention of autoimmune diseases.  Research has shown that MS is more common in countries further away from the equator (see>> http://www.bmj.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/JNNS-MS-lat.pdf).  In 2016 researches found that low levels of Vitamin D were common in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is associated with higher morbidity and disease severity.  (see >> http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v111/n5/full/ajg201653a.html)

Migraine

Recent research also suggests vitamin D can play a role in migraines. Researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that many who suffer from migraines have deficiencies in vitamin D, riboflavin (B2) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).  (see >> http://www.medicaldaily.com/migraine-headaches-vitamin-d-riboflavin-coenzyme-q10-389272)

Girls and women who suffered migraines were particularly prone to having CoQ10 deficiency, while boys and men were more likely to be deficient in vitamin D. Those with chronic migraines were more likely to have CoQ10 and riboflavin deficiencies, compared to those with episodic migraines.

Neurological/psychological/mental disorders

Vitamin D also plays a major role in neurotransmission, and vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a number of neurological and brain disorders, including cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, epilepsy and depression. In one study, those who were most vitamin D deficient had a 31 percent increased relative risk of suffering neurocognitive decline. (see >> http://nervedoctor.info/research-reveals-which-chronic-illnesses-caused-by-vitamin-d-deficiency/)

 

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