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Inflammation isĀ an essential part of the body’s healing process. But when it persists, it can contribute to a wide range of complex diseases including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases.

 

Now,Ā world-first genetic researchĀ from theĀ University of South AustraliaĀ shows a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation, providing an important biomarker to identify people at higher risk of or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component.

 

The study examined the genetic data of 294ā€Š,970 participants in theĀ UK Biobank, usingĀ Mendelian randomizationĀ to show the association between vitamin D and C-reactive protein levels, an indicator of inflammation.

 

Lead researcher, UniSA’sĀ Dr Ang Zhou, says the findings suggest that boostingĀ vitamin DĀ in people with a deficiency may reduce chronic inflammation.

 

ā€œInflammation is your body’s way of protecting your tissues if you’ve been injured or have an infection,ā€ Dr Zhou says.

 

ā€œHigh levels of C-reactive protein are generated by the liver in response to inflammation, so when your body is experiencing chronic inflammation, it also shows higher levels ofĀ C-reactive protein.

 

ā€œThis study examined vitamin D and C-reactive proteins and found a one-way relationship between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein, expressed as inflammation.

 

ā€œBoosting vitamin D in people with deficiencies may reduce chronic inflammation, helping them avoid a number of related diseases.ā€

 

Supported by theĀ National Health and Medical Research CouncilĀ and published in theĀ International Journal of EpidemiologyĀ the study also raises the possibility that having adequate vitamin D concentrations may mitigate complications arising from obesity and reduce the risk or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component, such as CVDs, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

 

Senior investigator and Director of UniSA’sĀ Australian Centre for Precision Health,Ā Professor Elina Hyppƶnen, says these results are important and provide an explanation for some of the controversies in reported associations with vitamin D.

 

ā€œWe have repeatedly seen evidence for health benefits for increasing vitamin D concentrations in individuals with very low levels, while for others, there appears to be little to no benefit.ā€ Prof Hyppƶnen says.

 

ā€œThese findings highlight the importance of avoiding clinical vitamin D deficiency, and provide further evidence for the wide-ranging effects of hormonal vitamin D.ā€

 

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Contacts for interview:Ā Ā Dr Ang ZhouĀ E:Ā Ang.Zhou@unisa.edu.au
Prof Elina Hyppönen E: Elina.Hypponen@unisa.edu.au
Media contact:Ā Annabel MansfieldĀ M:Ā +61 479 182 489Ā E:Ā Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

Source: Down on Vitamin D? It could be the cause of chronic inflammation

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