Is Vitamin D the Solution to Inflammation in the Elderly?

A connection has been discovered between the levels of Vitamin D and C-reactive protein (CRP, an inflammation marker) in seniors, indicating that maintaining enough Vitamin D could aid in lowering inflammation and warding off chronic ailments. The link remained consistent even after accounting for aspects like physical exercise, smoking habits, obesity, education, kidney function, gender, and age.

Aging specialists from Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick have revealed relationships between vitamin D and CRP (a signal of inflammation) in aging individuals.

The findings were recently made available in the PLOS ONE journal.

Inflammation and CRP

CRP serves as an inflammation gauge in the bloodstream. Elevated amounts may signify infection, while levels slightly above normal can imply mild inflammation. Scientists theorize that this persistent minor inflammation (prevalent in seniors) may result in gradual harm and become a significant threat factor for various chronic aging diseases, such as heart disease, cognitive decline, diabetes, and more.

Any method that might lessen CRP levels in the blood could positively influence the prevention of chronic diseases.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D, known as the ‘Sunshine vitamin,’ is essential for the well-being of bones and has recently been associated with immune system functionality. Prior research from the Irish Longitudinal Study On Ageing (TILDA) reveals that one in eight elderly Irish individuals lack the vitamin, with the highest risk groups including the very old, smokers, those with lower incomes, and those afflicted with obesity.

Earlier studies from Professor Rose Anne Kenny and Dr. Eamon Laird have also highlighted vitamin D’s connection with COVID.

The fresh study, utilizing TILDA data, inspected participants 50 years or older who were evaluated in the study’s first wave and furnished measurements of vitamin D and CRP.

Main Discoveries:

• The research determined that inadequate vitamin D was linked with noticeably increased CRP (inflammation) levels.
• An adequate amount of vitamin D lessened the likelihood of high CRP compared to a deficiency.
• These results endured even when considering other influencing factors such as exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption, obesity, education, kidney functionality, gender, and age.
• In general, younger, male, educated, non-obese, non-smoking participants with fewer than three chronic diseases exhibited considerably reduced CRP levels.
• Factors contributing to higher CRP levels included obesity, smoking, being female, physical inactivity, chronic ailments, impaired kidney performance, and diabetes.
• The findings also support food policymakers in the potential health advantages of fortifying foods with vitamin D, without inflammation-related negative consequences.

Dr. Eamon Laird, the study’s main author, emphasized the significance of the study in light of the widespread deficiency of vitamin D and chronic disease in Ireland’s older population. The research implies that enhancing vitamin D levels above deficient quantities could positively affect the inflammation pathway in older adults living in communities.

Laird also added that the new vitamin D intake guidelines for seniors (15ug per day or 600 IU) should bring additional confidence to policymakers. The study shows that maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D is connected with reduced inflammation levels without increased risk. Along with vitamin D, individuals should also focus on regular physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle, enough sleep, and social connections to minimize inflammation risk.

Reference: “Vitamin D status & associations with inflammation in older adults” by Eamon Laird, Aisling M. O’Halloran, Anne M. Molloy, Martin Healy, Nollaig Bourke, and Rose Anne Kenny, 28 June 2023, PLOS ONE.
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287169

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