How Vitamin D May Affect Heart Disease, Diabetes

How Vitamin D May Affect Heart Disease, Diabetes

Mice with immune cells unable to use vitamin D developed atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, precursors of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms uncovered may lead to novel ...

http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/march2015/03302015vitamin.htm

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation plays a role in both of these diseases, and most immune cells have receptors for vitamin D. Binding of vitamin D to its receptor regulates many key processes inside cells. However, the mechanisms connecting activation of the immune system with these diseases aren’t well understood.