I keep reading about statins and do not like what I read. If you take them be very aware of all the side effects. Especially muscle aches of unknown origin. Just because you have taken a drug for awhile ( years) does not mean you can not have reactions to it. Be prepared as 15% of all people taking them do.
Now, one of the articles states some work better than others and the better ones raise vitamin D levels more than the poorer one. Why not just take vitamin D?



Inflammation, statins, and cardiovascular disease: Is D the missing link?
February 19, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Oxidative stress is thought to underlie cardiovascular and many other diseases. Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance between the byproducts of humans being on fire (oxidizing), and human’s ability to readily repair that damage with our antioxidant systems. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a complex molecule that serves as a marker for oxidative stress, the higher the MDA, the worse the oxidative stress.

Inflammation (Latin root “to set alight or burn”) is a complex biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, toxins, or antigens. Inflammation is an attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli and begin the healing process. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein found in the blood, the levels of which rise in response to inflammation: the higher the CRP, the worse the inflammation.

Both statins and vitamin D have pleiotropic effects, meaning they have many different effects on the body and appear to work in different ways. Pleiotropic comes from the Greek, meaning “more,” and “convert.” While the mechanism of action of vitamin D’s pleiotropy is easy to explain (vitamin D has as many mechanisms of action as genes it regulates), the same cannot be said of statins. How do they work other than reducing cholesterol?

Dr Thozhukat Sathyapalan and colleagues of the Hull York Medical School in England recently conducted a remarkable study of two statins.

Sathyapalan T, Shepherd J, Atkin SL, Kilpatrick ES. The effect of atorvastatin and simvastatin on vitamin D, oxidative stress and inflammatory marker concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes: a crossover study. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2013 Jan 28.

The two statin drugs studied were atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor). Both lower cholesterol equally well and both are used to prevent cardiovascular disease. However, at least one study shows that cardiovascular events are lower with atorvastatin than simvastatin. Continue reading → (no membership required) The vitamin D, lupus link: A review of the research
February 22, 2013 -- Rebecca Oshiro
As many blog readers know, there has been much research studying the relationship between vitamin D and lupus of late. Some research shows that vitamin D and lupus have a relationship. But what does all the research say? Continue reading → (membership required) Does D deficiency contribute to inflammatory bowel disease?
February 23, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Recently, Drs at the University of Pennsylvania wanted to know if the symptoms of ulcerative coltis were worse in vitamin D deficient people Continue reading →  (no membership required)
Vitamin D deficiency accelerates hardening of the arteries
February 25, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers at Washington University recently examined how vitamin D deficiency contributes to hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure. Continue reading → (membership required) Vitamin D monitoring linked to bladder cancer survival
February 21, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers recently studied more than 4,100 veterans with established bladder cancer. They wanted to see if vitamin D testing was associated with better survival. If patients were getting tested, then presumably they were getting treated to various degrees. Continue reading → (no membership required)
D deficiency, celiac disease, and autoimmunity: What's the link?
February 20, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Dr Cannell reviews the latest research on vitamin D deficiency and celiac disease. Do you think there is a link? Continue reading → (membership required)

Alaska legislator wants vitamin D tests for newborns
February 25, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Alaska State legislator, Representative Paul Seaton, wants to test the vitamin D levels of all newborns in Alaska. So he’s sponsoring a House Bill, the vitamin D newborn testing proposal. Continue reading → Vitamin D deficiency prevalent among children with HIV
February 20, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Vitamin D supplementation may be needed in children with HIV, according to a study published in the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal. Continue reading → Vitamin D levels of professional ballet dancers: Winter vs Summer
February 19, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Professional ballerinas have a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency, improving slightly during summer months. Dancers also are more likely to get injured during the winter, according to research published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Continue reading → The USPSTF vitamin D research
Feburary 26, 2013 -- Vitamin D Event
The US Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) has begun evaluating the effectiveness of screening for vitamin D deficiency.

Today they have opened their research plan to the public for comment. Comments can be submitted from February 26, 2013 through March 25, 2013 using this link.

Be sure to take a look at the draft and comment as you see fit. Vitamin D Workshop
Feburary 26, 2013 -- Vitamin D Event
Hey Researchers, don't forget! The 16th Vitamin D Workshop in coming up! The 2013 Workshop will be held in San Francisco, CA from June 12th - June 14th. If you are interested in submitting an abstract on your vitamin D research to the workshop, do so by March 8th.

Also, be sure to register to attend the conference before March 8th and you can purchase your ticket at a discounted price. Click here for further details. Disease on the rise
Feburary 26 , 2013 -- Vitamin D Event
Today's Grassroots health webinar features Dr Susan Whiting, BS, MS, PhD, who will be discussing the topic: "Vitamin D levels declining; MS, cancer, diabetes and more on the rise. How do you protect yourself?"

Register here for today's webinar, which starts at 10am PST! Have a vitamin D question? You can submit your questions for Dr Grant when you register. Help the Council Today Like Tweet Forward to Friend Copyright © 2013 The Vitamin D Council, All rights reserved.
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The multiple sclerosis D-lemma
February 16, 2013 -- Brant Cebulla
One of the most anchoring arguments from vitamin D proponents calling for higher vitamin D supplementation for both the treatment of some diseases and for general recommended daily allowance is, “It’s safe. It may help, it may not, but it’s safe.” Opponents claim that we need more research, we need to understand exactly how safe and effective it is, before we increase recommendations.

These arguments escalate when we consider some of the diseases vitamin D may be implicated in; diseases like breast cancer, prostate cancer, diabetes and more. It has left patients and health care professionals asking, “So do we supplement, or not?”

In the use of vitamin D in medicine, there is probably no greater dilemma and debate currently than the tussle of whether or not to supplement patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research, while evident that vitamin D is essential to some, is just okay to others.

Some of the best evidence supporting a role of vitamin D preventing MS is a pair of cohort-type studies that looked at large groups of people, how much vitamin D they were getting, and whether or not they developed MS. In the Nurses’ Health Study II, a cohort of over 95,000 women, those who took over 400 IU of vitamin D/day had a 40% reduced risk of developing MS than those who did not. In a prospective nested case-control study among 7 million US military personnel, there was a 41% decreased risk of developing MS for every 20 ng/ml increase in vitamin D levels.

This past December, a randomized controlled trial published in the journal Acta neurologica belgica found that vitamin D may prevent or delay onset of MS in those with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). CIS describes a patient with their first possible manifestation of MS, in which they have some type of neurologic symptom that hints MS may be on the way. Continue reading → (no membership required) Can vitamin D reverse nerve damage from diabetes?
February 15, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Diabetic neuropathy is a neurological disorder that is often associated with diabetes mellitus. A doctor at Alabama Medical School recently reported on a case of diabetic neuropathy treated with vitamin D. Continue reading → (membership required) Why do we call vitamin D, vitamin D?
February 13, 2013 -- Brant Cebulla
What is vitamin D? While the question would seem to call for a simple answer, the query hasn’t always prompted as straight forward a response as one might expect. Researchers often squabble over whether to classify vitamin D as a “vitamin,” a “hormone,” a “pro-hormone,” a “pre-hormone,” an essential “nutrient” and more. This might lead you to ask, then why do we call vitamin D, vitamin D? Continue reading →  (membership required)
Are vitamin D supplement needs similar in Caucasian & African American women?
February 14, 2013 -- Kate Saley
The absorption and metabolism of vitamin D is comparable among Caucasian and African American women, according to new research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Continue reading → (no membership required) D deficiency & disease activity in patients with lupus
February 18, 2013 -- Kate Saley
Research published in Oman Medical Journal has found that people with systemic lupus erythematosis, or SLE, have a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency during times of active disease ‘flare.’ Continue reading →
(membership required)

American Heart Month
February 14, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Did you know February is American Heart Month sponsored by the American Heart Association? Heart month is a time to educate people on what we can do to prevent heart problems and live heart-healthy lives. Continue reading → Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society and Osteoporosis Australia release new guidelines
February 18, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Sunshine is good, according to new guidelines set by the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society and Osteoporosis Australia (ANZBMS). Continue reading → Vitamin D supplement labels may be misleading
February 13, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
The potency of vitamin D supplements varies widely from what is advertized on the label, according to a study of 12 vitamin manufacturers. Continue reading → New suggested vitamin D label messages for vitamin D supplements in the UK
February 12, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
The Department of Health in the United Kingdom has issued new recommendations for label messages for vitamin D supplements. Continue reading → Breast cancer risk webinar
Feburary 19, 2013 -- Vitamin D Event
The next Grassroots health webinar features Dr Cedric F Garland, Dr PH, who will be discussing the question: "Serum vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of premenopausal breast cancer?"

Register here for today's webinar, which starts at 10am PST! Have a vitamin D question? You can submit your questions for Dr Grant when you register.

Vitamin D Newsletter - February 12, 2013 View this email in your browser Supporters of the Vitamin D Council Study: Why do we supplement?
February 6, 2013 -- Brant Cebulla
Ever had a hard time trying to get a friend or two to supplement with vitamin D? New research published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals underlying reasons why some people choose to supplement, perhaps giving you a little insight on some strategies to make your efforts more successful.

The study, led by Dr Regan Bailey of the Office of Dietary Supplements, surveyed people enrolled in the NHANES cohort over the years 2007 and 2008. After excluding those younger than 20, lactating or pregnant women, they collected information from nearly 12,000 people.

Let’s fly through the results:

• 49% of people reported taking supplements within the past 30 days of the survey. Women were more likely to supplement (54%) than men (43%). People over 60 and Caucasians were most likely to take supplements. Those who had health-insurance were also more likely to supplement, as well as people who reported to be in good health. And those who drank one or more alcoholic beverage per day were more likely to supplement.
• People that were either underweight or overweight were less likely to take supplements.

Of the people who took supplements, why did they choose to supplement? Continue reading → (no membership required) Vitamin D levels and breast cancer survival
February 11, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researches at the University of California at San Diego found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with reduced overall mortality but not breast cancer specific mortality. Continue reading → (membership required) Primary hyperparathyroidism: Is vitamin D safe?
February 5, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the few diseases in which doctors have said vitamin D should not be used, as it might raise blood calcium levels. Recently, scientists conducted a study to see if vitamin D was detrimental or safe for patients with PHPT. Continue reading →  (membership required) Vitamin D status and autoimmunity in celiac disease
February 11, 2013 -- Rebecca Oshiro
A new study from researchers out of Columbia University have found those suffering from celiac disease and vitamin D deficiency may be at higher risk for psoriasis. Continue reading →  (no membership required)
Current research: Is vitamin D deficiency linked to epilepsy?
February 7, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Epileptic seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy. Dr Cannell examines the evidence for a link between vitamin D and epilepsy. Continue reading →  (membership required)
Eggs: With or without vitamin D?
February 8, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers at Iowa State University decided to see if they could increase the amount of vitamin D in eggs by feeding chickens more vitamin D. Continue reading → (no membership required)
Quantum dots deliver vitamin D to tumors for breast cancer treatment
February 6, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Scientists have recently uncovered an experimental approach to fighting inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a very rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Continue reading → Vitamin D, omega-3 may help clear amyloid plaque in Alzheimer's patients
February 8, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Researchers have recently pinpointed how vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids may enhance the immune system’s ability to clear the brain of amyloid plaques, one of the trademarks of Alzheimer's disease. Continue reading → Low vitamin D may increase risk of type 1 diabetes
February 9, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Having sufficient vitamin D levels during young adulthood may reduce the risk of adult-onset type 1 diabetes by up to 50%. Continue reading → Sun exposure may cut arthritis risk in women
February 5, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
According to new research led by Professor Elizabeth Arkema and colleagues from Harvard, increased sun exposure may cut the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Continue reading → National Children's Dental Health Month
February 8, 2013 -- Vitamin D Event
Did you know February is National Children's Dental Health Month? Dental Cavities are the most prevalent chronic disease in both children and adults, even though it is preventable.

Take a look at our Dental Health Infographic for a quick overview of vitamin D and dental health. Be sure to share with friends and family to promote overall oral health! Continue reading → 16th Vitamin D Workshop in San Francisco
February 12, 2013 -- Vitamin D Event
Hey Researchers, the 16th Vitamin D Workshop in coming up! The 2013 Workshop will be held in San Francisco, CA from June 12th - June 14th. If you are interested in submitting an abstract on your vitamin D research to the workshop, do so by March 8th.

Also, be sure to register before March 8th and get your ticket at a discounted rate. Click here for details. Infant Health webinar
Feburary 12, 2013 -- Vitamin D Event
Today's Grassroots health webinar features Dr William Grant, PhD, who will be discussing the question: "Racial and ethnic disparities in infant mortality...A vitamin D problem?"

Register here for today's webinar! Have a vitamin D question? You can submit your questions for Dr Grant when you register.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUobEJNkHgE&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Vitamin D Newsletter - February 5, 2013 View this email in your browser Supporters of the Vitamin D Council Does vitamin D help with knee pain and cartilage loss in osteoarthritis?
January 30, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a mechanical abnormality involving degradation of joints, including cartilage and bone. The joints just wear out from a lifetime of use. Common symptoms include joint pain, tenderness and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis affects nearly 27 million people in the United States, accounting for 25% of visits to primary care physicians. It is estimated that 80% of the population have radiographic evidence of OA by age 65.

Does vitamin D help OA? Dr. Timothy McAlindon and colleagues at Tufts Medical Center wanted to know, and recently conducted a study to find out. They found that vitamin D does not help.

McAlindon T, LaValley M, Schneider E, Nuite M, Lee JY, Price LL, Lo G, Dawson-Hughes B.  Effect of vitamin D supplementation on progression of knee pain and cartilage volume loss in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2013 Jan 9;309(2):155-62.

They randomized 146 participants to a vitamin D group or a placebo group. Sixty-four patients finished the study taking vitamin D and 60 finished it on placebo. For the vitamin D arm, participants took at least 2000 IU/day, and researchers increased the dose to ensure that levels were at least 36 ng/mL. Twenty-three participants received vitamin D dose escalations as follows: Continue reading → (no membership required)

Vitamin D deficiency linked to length of stay in ICU
January 31, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers in Sydney, Australia, recently conducted a study on ICU patients and their vitamin D levels. The authors found that vitamin D deficiency was associated with longer hospital stays. Continue reading → (membership required) What are vitamin D levels in sunny southern California?
February 2, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Dr Elaine Kaptein and colleagues of the University of Southern California Medical Center recently studied 3,276 inner city patients from LA. Living in southern California should mean levels are sufficient, right? Continue reading → (membership required) Is vitamin D involved with balance?
February 1, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers at University of Angers in France recently conducted a unique study. They wanted to find out if vitamin D levels above 30 ng/ml were associated with balance. Read on to learn what the researchers found. Continue reading →  (no membership required)
Surprisingly low vitamin D in rural Argentinean children
February 1, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers in Buenos Aires recently measured vitamin D levels in Koya Indian schoolchildren living at high altitude in Argentina. Continue reading →  (membership required)
Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Does D deficiency play a role?
February 3, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
Researchers in Turkey, recently conducted a cross-sectional study of 540 subjects, seeing if vitamin D levels are connected to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Continue reading → (no membership required) Dear Dr Cannell: Vitamin D ointment
February 4, 2013 -- John Cannell, MD
A VDC member is concerned that her newly prescribed activated vitamin D ointment will raise her vitamin D and calcium levels too high. Continue reading → (no membership required)
Stats Canada Data: Canadians' vitamin D levels declining
February 1, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
The Vitamin D Society wants to make Canadians aware of the recently published Statistics Canada study. The study reports that Canadians vitamin D blood levels are declining dramatically. Continue reading → Low vitamin D tied to poor treatment response in people with HIV, Hep C
January 30, 2013 -- Vitamin D Council News
Recent research says, people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are less likely to respond to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG/RBV) – a treatment for HCV – if they have low vitamin D levels. Continue reading → Vitamin D and respiratory Infections webinar
Feburary 5, 2013
Get ready for the fourth Grassroots health webinar!

Today at 10am PST Dr Carlos Camargo, MD, Dr PH, will be discussing the question: "What vitamin D level prevents upper respiratory infections?"

Register here for today's webinar! Have a vitamin D question? You can submit your questions for Dr Camargo when you register.