Low vitamin D levels could result in dyslipidemia, and lipid abnormalities—that is, an increase in triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level—have been identified as important risk factors for ...
Some research suggests that vitamin D supplements may improve cholesterol levels. However, others indicate that vitamin D has no effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Vitamin D is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and the human body produces it when the skin has exposure to the sun.
Vitamin D is linked to cholesterol because we need cholesterol in our skins cells to make vitamin D from sunlight. The vitamin D is later transformed again in the liver and kidneys, but cholesterol is needed for the first step.
When vitamin D levels are low and the body isn't able to properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency (levels less than 10 ng/mL) may also contribute to an increased risk of falls.
“Adding an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement can make improvements in just three to four months time. Vitamin D with a strength of 1000-2000 international units daily is the recommended dose for most adults,” Dr. Ropte says. Most multivitamins contain vitamin D, so extra supplementation isn't always necessary.
A sudden increase in cholesterol can result from various factors, such as stress, diet, certain medications, pregnancy, and lifestyle habits, including smoking and drinking coffee or alcohol. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance in cells.
Lifestyle modifications are often the first line of treatment for high cholesterol. These include following a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Vitamins C, D, and B3 (niacin) may help lower cholesterol as well. And probiotics, berberine, and red yeast rice are other potentially effective supplements.
Supplements that should be avoided include red yeast rice, garlic, sustained-release niacin, no flush niacin, and niacinamide. These supplements have no data to support their use in lowering cholesterol levels or have been associated with liver damage.
Elevated serum cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease. Magnesium has been reported to decrease total serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, and very low density lipoprotein, and increase high density lipoprotein.
Because vitamin D is fat soluble, its absorption depends on the gut's ability to absorb dietary fat [4]. Fat malabsorption is associated with medical conditions that include some forms of liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis [1,63].
Dr. Lisa Matzer: Stress is known to increase cholesterol levels and in particular the bad LDL cholesterol. The amount of stress in your life isn't as important as how you deal with it. The more anger and hostility that stress produces in you, the higher (and worse) your LDL and triglyceride levels tend to be.
A low vitamin D level may make a person more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes. These conditions are risk factors for heart disease. It's unclear whether a daily vitamin D supplement protects against heart attacks and strokes. It may only help those with severely low vitamin D levels.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
Another important vitamin in managing your cholesterol is B12. Not only has research shown that taking vitamin B12 daily can lower cholesterol naturally, but it can also provide additional cardiovascular health benefits, such as reducing the risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries).
As a general guide, total cholesterol levels should be: 5mmol/L or less for healthy adults. 4mmol/L or less for those at high risk.
Even if you eat right and exercise, you can still have high cholesterol if you have inherited a genetic form of high cholesterol from your parents called familial hypercholesterolemia. Even though it cannot be prevented, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep the condition under control.
You have hidden fats in your diet.
It's also important to limit not just saturated fats but also trans fats, both of which raise LDL, according to the AHA. Cut these unhealthy fats by eating less red and processed meat (like sausage), butter, and full-fat dairy.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases: In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.
In general, the two main causes of vitamin D deficiency are: Not getting enough vitamin D in your diet and/or through sunlight. Your body isn't properly absorbing or using vitamin D.
Today, 25(OH)D less than 12 ng/mL is considered evidence of severe vitamin D deficiency.