New research that has been described as "world-first" has found that there appears to be a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation.
The study, which was carried out by the University of South Australia, examined the genetic data of 294,970 participants in the UK Biobank. It uncovered that vitamin D levels could be a key marker that may help identify people at higher risk of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component.
The study concluded that upping vitamin D levels may help those who are suffering from chronic inflammation. The conclusion was shared by lead researcher, UniSA's Dr Ang Zhou, who said that vitamin D could help curb chronic inflammation and its related diseases.
Dr Zhou said: "High 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 of C-reactive protein.
"This 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.
"Boosting vitamin D in people with deficiencies may reduce chronic inflammation, helping them avoid a number of related diseases."
The study also raises the possibility that having adequate vitamin D concentrations may reduce complications that come from obesity. Healthy vitamin D levels could also reduce the risk or severity of chronic illnesses with an inflammatory component, such as CVDs, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, according to the researchers.
Senior investigator and Director of UniSA's Australian Centre for Precision Health, Professor Elina Hyppönen, says these results are important and provide an explanation for some of the controversies in reported associations with vitamin D.
"We 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." Prof Hyppönen says.
"These findings highlight the importance of avoiding clinical vitamin D deficiency, and provide further evidence for the wide-ranging effects of hormonal vitamin D."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
