Vitamin D May Be Tied to Heart Disease Via Genes
Finding could aid in eventual development of screening test, researcher says
(HealthDay News) -- New research points to the possibility of a genetic link between vitamin D and heart disease.
People with high blood pressure who had a gene variant that reduces vitamin D activation in the body were found to be twice as likely as those without the variant to have congestive heart failure, the study found.
The finding may lead to a way to identify people at increased risk for heart disease, according to Robert U. Simpson, an assistant professor of pharmacology at the University of Michigan Medical School and his research colleagues.
They analyzed the genetic profiles of 617 people. One-third had hypertension, one-third had hypertension and congestive heart failure, and the remaining third served as healthy controls.
The researchers found that a variant in the CYP27B1 gene was associated with congestive heart failure in people with hypertension. The study is in the November issue of Pharmacogenomics.
Previous research showed that mutations that inactivate the gene reduce the conversion of vitamin D into an active hormone.
"This study is the first indication of a genetic link between vitamin D action and heart disease," Simpson said in a news release from the University of Michigan.
"If subsequent studies confirm this finding and demonstrate a mechanism, this means that, in the future, we may be able to screen earlier for those most vulnerable and slow the progress of the disease," he added.
More information
The American Heart Association has more about congestive heart failure.
-- Robert Preidt
SOURCE: University of Michigan, news release, Dec. 1, 2009
While it's true some people have greater propensity to suffer from low vitamin D3 status and therefore are at greater risk, the fact remains that we are all vulnerable to the adverse consequences of low 25(OH)D3 levels. UK average status Midwinter is below 20ng/ml while 42ng/ml achieves maximum bone mineral density.
ReplyDeleteEVERYONE in the UK needs far more vitamin d3 not just those who have this particular gene varient.
It is a simple matter to obtain a cost price Grassrootshealth D Action 25(OH)D by post for $40.
We know that the natural primitive 25(OH)D level at which human breast milk flows replete with D3 and ensures babies are born with sufficient vitamin D3 to absorb calcium and magnesium and develop maximim bone mineral density is 58.8ng/ml. around 150nmol/l.
That is the level also associated with least chronic disease incidence.
New research 25-Hydroxyvitamin D is an agonistic vitamin D receptor ligand shows Calcidiol is not just a prohormone waiting to be hydroxylated into the active form but, if available in sufficient numbers,is able to activate the Vitamin D receptor both on it's own and, working collaboratively, with Calcitriol.
This research moves the goal posts considerably.
We can no longer content ourselves with the idea that 40ng/ml 100nmol/l just about covers our daily needs. There is no anti cancer cell proliferation control measurable at 100nmol/l.
There is such activity measurable at higher levels.
Only people who want to experience chemo should keep levels at or below 40ng/ml, those who think that nature probably knows best and the natural level that allows human breast milk to contain adequate amounts of vitamin D and at which sufficient Calcidiol is available to suppress cancer cell proliferation will want to adopt levels around 60~75ng/ml. Those with a cancer history or diagnosis may well want to be around the 80~90ng/ml 200nmol/l where the anti cancer proliferation potential is greater.
10,000iu Vitamin D3 capsules are available from USA discount supplement providers for less than $20 for 360 a years supply. On of these daily should be sufficient to raise status to above 60ng/ml over 3months daily use. A 25(OH)D test them will allow you to work out if you can reduce the intake to 1000iu for each 25lbs you weigh.
Most women will find 5000iu/daily is sufficient to maintain 60ng/ml and men 6000iu/daily, but as there is considerable variation it is not a one size fits all scenario. That is why 25(OH)D testing is needed.