Inflammation is an essential part of the body’s healing process, but when inflammation persists it can lead to a wide range of complex diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune disease.
Important biological marker
According to Neuroscience News, the world’s first genetic research from the University of South Australia shows a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of inflammation, providing an important biomarker for identifying those most vulnerable to chronic disease with an inflammatory component or severity. .
The study examined genetic data from 294,970 UK Biobank participants to show an association between levels of vitamin D-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation.
Study lead author Dr. Ang Zhou says the findings suggest that increasing vitamin D in people with a deficiency can reduce chronic inflammation, explaining that “inflammation is the body’s way of protecting tissues if they are injured or infected.”
“The liver produces high levels of C-reactive protein in response to inflammation, so when the body has chronic inflammation, it also shows higher levels of C-reactive protein,” he explains.
one-way relationship
The researchers 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, indicating the presence of inflammation.
Obesity and immunity
The study also raises the possibility that adequate concentrations of vitamin D in the body can mitigate complications arising from obesity and reduce the risk or severity of chronic diseases with an inflammatory component, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disease.