In a recent study with potentially broad implications, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have discovered how low vitamin D levels lead to atherosclerosis in diabetics. According to an article in the August 25, 2009, issue of Circulation (available online), the mechanism centers around the macrophages, specialized immune cells that eat cholesterol.
“When people are deficient in vitamin D,” explains Carlos Bernal-Mizrachi, M.D., a Washington University endocrinologist, “the macrophage cells eat more cholesterol, and they can’t get rid of it. The macrophages get clogged with cholesterol and become what scientists call foam cells,” which restrict blood flow by causing blood vessels to stiffen. By limiting the macrophages’ consumption of cholesterol to what they can discharge, vitamin D alleviates this condition, an early marker of atherosclerosis.
About one billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient, largely due to insufficient exposure to sunlight, and diabetics are especially prone to this condition. Due to current debate over the safety of sun exposure, Bernal-Mizrachi recommends oral vitamin D supplements.
From Well Being Journal, Volume 19, Number 1, http://www.wellbeingjournal.com
