- Chronic inflammation is linked to inflammation-related health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Elevated inflammatory biomarkers in the blood, such as C-reactive protein, can be an indicator of chronic inflammation.
- A new study has found a link between low levels of vitamin D in the blood and elevated C-reactive protein.
- The researchers suggest that for people who are vitamin D deficient, improving vitamin D levels may reduce chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is the activation of the body’s immune cells in response to injury or infection.
In the short term, inflammation is necessary for proper healing. However, when it persists, it can contribute to the development of inflammation-related health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, among others.
Chronic inflamation it can result from ongoing infections, exposure to irritants, and autoimmune disorders. But other factors like age, stress, and diet can also play a role. Identifying chronic inflammation can be challenging, but specific inflammatory biomarkers in the blood can indicate its presence. one of which is C-reactive protein (PCR).
According to investigation 2021Vitamin D has been shown to have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, and shortcomings in this nutrient can contribute to chronic inflammation.
However, the association between vitamin D and CRP is not clear. Although previous studies published in 2015 Y 2020 investigated the influence of vitamin D on CRP, no evidence was found to support a causal effect.
Nevertheless, new genetic research from the University of South Australia, recently published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, found an association between low levels of vitamin D and elevated CRP in the blood. This discovery leads researchers to suggest that increasing vitamin D in deficient people may reduce chronic inflammation.
To carry out the study, the scientists recruited 294,970 participants from the UK Biobank who identified themselves as being of white-British descent. They then analyzed the participants’ active serum for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. [25(OH)D] levels. They also had the participants fill out health and lifestyle questionnaires and obtained blood samples for biomarkers and genetic evaluations.
Linear and non-linear use Mendelian randomization (MR), the researchers looked for associations between serum 25(OH)D and CRP.
The researchers found a relationship between low levels of vitamin D and elevated CRP in the blood. Specifically, a one-way relationship, meaning that vitamin D may be a determinant of CRP levels, but not the other way around.
However, the researchers also found that only study participants with low serum 25(OH)D concentrations had elevated serum CRP. This suggests that the anti-inflammatory benefits of improving vitamin D levels are limited to people with deficiencies.
“We have repeatedly seen evidence of health benefits from increasing vitamin D concentrations in individuals with very low levels, while for others, there appears to be little or no benefit,” the study author said. Elina HippönenPhD, professor at the University of Australia and director of the Australian Center for Precision Healthin a Press release.
Hyppönen explained that vitamin D is a hormonal precursor that inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-12 (IL-12).
“By doing this, it acts to modify immune responses so that T cell polarization moves away from an inflammatory-like response (Th1) to the production of more protective T cell phenotypes (Th2 and regulatory T cells),” he said. Hyponen. health line.
According to the study, these actions may help decrease inflammation, thereby reducing the risk or severity of many chronic diseases.
The study data also indicates that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is around 40% in some European countries.
Therefore, the authors suggest that increasing vitamin D intake in the population by adding it to widely consumed foods food products could be a cost-effective way to reduce chronic disease.
Although the research found an association between vitamin D and CRP, it also had some limitations. For example, the participants were individuals of white-British descent. Therefore, it is not known whether these results transfer to people of other racial or ethnic groups.
Furthermore, CRP is not the only biomarker implicated in inflammation. Other biomarkers can also indicate an inflammatory response, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). The scientists say that future research should examine these biomarkers to fully understand the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D.
“For many of the diseases and influences, the evidence for causality [is] has not yet been established, and we need to look further into the effects on hard outcomes, such as mortality risk,” Hyppönen said. “It also appears that prevention of severe vitamin D deficiency holds the key to many of the potential benefits, and we need to develop efficient strategies to target and treat those in need.”
According to experts, vitamin D deficiency is when serum levels of 25(OH)D in the blood are lower than 20ng/meterL. Serum levels of 20-30 ng/mL are considered insufficient.
“Vitamin D deficiency can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including muscle pain, weakness, depression, poor bone health, and fatigue.” Iza Corrella licensed physician associate and founder of OVI Healthhe told Health Line.
Correctly diagnosing vitamin D deficiency is critical, Correll added, because the treatment plan can vary based on severity.
“If a deficiency is suspected, your doctor will likely order a blood test to measure the level of vitamin D in your blood. The most common diagnostic test for vitamin D deficiency is a blood test to measure the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood,” he explained.
As for treatments, Correll noted that “treatment for vitamin D deficiency usually involves taking supplements or, more importantly, increasing exposure to sunlight to a minimum of 10 minutes daily.”
“Most people with vitamin D deficiency need between 400 and 800 IU of vitamin D per day to bring their levels back to normal. Your doctor may also recommend increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk or cereals,” he added.
Chronic inflammation is thought to be a factor in many health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders, among others.
The latest research suggests that vitamin D may help reduce chronic inflammation, but only in people who are vitamin D deficient.
Prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency involves making sure you get an adequate but safe amount of exposure to sunlight and consuming foods rich in vitamin D. Supplementing with appropriate amounts of this essential nutrient can also help reduce the chance of have deficiency.
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