Metabolic syndrome is indicated by low levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) along with high triglycerides, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. It afflicts nearly 25 percent of adults and is on the rise. The medical community is looking at the link between the syndrome and vitamin D deficiency in an effort to prevent or lessen adverse health issues.
How it Works
Metabolic syndrome, also sometimes associated with that unwanted spare tire around your waist, increases the potential for vascular disease, heart disease, strokes and cancer. Cardiologist Dr. William Davis observes in his Heart Scan Blog that when the body's vitamin D levels are restored to a healthy range, HDL levels increase, and triglycerides, blood sugar and blood pressure are lowered.
Cancer Research
In a study published by the American Association for , a Finnish medical team conducted research on the effects of metabolic syndrome and vitamin D on prostate cancer. They concluded that low levels of vitamin D increase the risk factors for prostate cancer that are associated with metabolic syndrome.
Diabetes
Metabolic syndrome is often a precursor to diabetes. The American Diabetes Association published a study analyzing the impact of dietary calcium and vitamin D on metabolic syndrome in middle-aged women. The results indicated that these nutrients may be associated with lower occurrences of the syndrome in women of this age.
Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D deficiencies can result from poor diet, increased requirement (due to breastfeeding or depletion from medication), or increased excretion. Because vitamin D is produced by exposure to sunlight, deficiencies also can occur in people who spend a lot of time indoors. People at higher risk are those with milk allergies, breastfeeding moms, people in cold climates and women with polycystic ovarian disorder.
Know Your Body
Although research on the link between metabolic syndrome and vitamin D deficiency is ongoing, if you are at risk for the syndrome, you can ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels through a blood test. If they are low, your doctor may prescribe a high-dosage supplement, or you can take an over-the-counter version. Overdose of vitamin D is possible and can result in organ damage, so check with your doctor before before starting any vitamin plan.
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