The assumption that vitamin D supplements will protect you against diseases associated with low vitamin D levels is incorrect, according to Australian researchers. The report found that vitamin D supplements are immunosuppressive and may actually make diseases worse.
Vitamin D Nuclear Receptor (VDR) influences the expression of over 1,000 genes, including those associated with diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis. According to the new study, supplemental vitamin D actually blocks VDR activation, which is the opposite effect to that of sunshine.
Instead of positively impacting gene expression, vitamin D supplements appear to suppress your immune system.
Vitamin D deficiency, the researchers pointed out, is likely not a cause of disease but rather is a result of the disease process. And increasing vitamin D intake may make the diseases worse.
The body regulates production of all the vitamin D it needs, the researchers said, and dysregulation of vitamin D by supplementation has been associated with many chronic diseases.
Sources:
* Science Daily January 27, 2008
* BioEssays January 2008, Volume 30, Issue 2, Pages 173-182
Read Dr. Mercola's comments at:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/
2008/2/12/why-vitamin-d-supplements-are-not-the-same-as-sunlight.aspx
Why Vitamin D Supplements Are NOT the Same as Sunlight
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Mercola.com, February 12, 2008
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