Although there is ample research evidence that vitamin D is important for bone health, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effects of vitamin D on other aspects of health.
According to a meta-analysis published in , one study found that vitamin D was associated with a lower risk of autoimmune diseases and fewer deaths from cancer. Oncology annual report It may also be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, according to a review article published in . nutrients In 2021.
However, more research is needed before it can be concluded that vitamin D supplementation is effective in treating and preventing these diseases.
bone health
According to the NIH, as we age, the rate at which bone breaks down outpaces the rate at which bone is built, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Research shows that osteoporosis is usually associated with insufficient calcium intake, but vitamin D deficiency can also increase your risk of osteoporosis because it affects calcium and phosphate absorption. Adequate vitamin D intake is therefore important to maintain strong and healthy bones, especially as we age.
Studies show that vitamin D and calcium supplementation can help reverse rickets and reduce the risk of bone fractures in older people who are deficient in vitamin D or don’t get enough calcium in their diets. I am.
immune support
Vitamin D also plays an important role in immune function. Studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with the development of immune system-related diseases such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is not yet known whether vitamin D supplementation can improve or prevent these diseases, but it is important to keep blood vitamin D levels at least 30 ng/L (nanograms per liter) or 75 nmol/L (nanomoles per liter). may play an important role. It plays a role in reducing the risk of these autoimmune diseases.
Number of deaths due to cancer
According to the NIH, test tube and animal studies suggest that vitamin D may inhibit cancer cell growth. However, human studies have shown mixed results regarding vitamin D intake and cancer incidence, progression, and mortality.
Meta-analysis published in Oncology annual report In 2019, we evaluated 10 clinical trials that investigated the relationship between vitamin D and cancer incidence and mortality. The study found that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the total number of cancer deaths, but did not reduce cancer incidence.
Further research is needed to determine how vitamin D supplementation improves cancer outcomes and whether it prevents cancer from occurring.
heart disease risk
According to the NIH, vitamin D is thought to affect heart health and heart disease risk because it is involved in blood pressure regulation, and vitamin D deficiency can lead to vascular dysfunction, arteriosclerosis, and high blood fat levels. It is related to
The reviews published in nutrients evaluated the current evidence regarding vitamin D supplementation and heart disease risk in 2021. Some studies have shown a close relationship between low vitamin D levels and increased risk of heart disease, but whether vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of heart disease remains unclear. is still poorly understood.
Further research is needed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of heart disease. Overall, there is a lack of clinical evidence that vitamin D supplementation provides human health benefits beyond bone health.
Nevertheless, correcting severe vitamin D deficiency is important and should remain a priority to prevent the development of brittle bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
