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A genetic study by scientists from the University of South Australia showed a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation in the body. And when the inflammatory process persists, it can contribute to a wide range of health problems. Among them are autoimmune diseases, as well as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which significantly shorten life.
The work of Australian scientists was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. In their study, they examined the genetic data of 294 participants in the UK Biobank. Scientists were interested in the connection between levels of vitamin D and the indicator of inflammation - C-reactive protein.
As the study's lead author, Dr. Ang Zhou, points out, inflammation is the body's way of protecting body tissues from injury or infection. But in some cases it becomes chronic. In response to inflammation, the liver produces C-reactive protein.
Ang Zhou points out that the study found a one-way relationship between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein. "Increasing vitamin D levels in people with vitamin D deficiency can reduce chronic inflammation, helping them avoid a number of co-morbidities," adds the specialist. Adequate levels of vitamin D in the blood may reduce the risk or severity of chronic diseases with an inflammatory component, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, the paper notes.
