Vitamin D - summary of actions

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Vitamin D - summary of actions

Posted: 09 Nov 2009 03:01 AM PST

Below is a list of summary of actions of Vitamin D (Hormone D):Cardiovascular

 

reduces cardiac hypertrophy (cardiac enlargement)

reduces myocardial fibrosis (heart tissue scarring)

protects against vascular calcifications

lowers the risk of myocardial infarction

suppresses renin production (this is the kidney hormone that stimulates angiotensin II leading to elevated blood pressures)

Mineral

 

increases intestinal calcium and phosphorus absorption

 

Musculoskeletal

 

enhances muscle mass/strength

maintains normal bone formation

Endocrine

 

increases insulin sensitivity

prevents parathyroid gland hyperplasia (enlargement)

suppresses parathyroid gland hormone (PTH) synthesis

stimulates the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) and the Calcium Senseing Receptor (CaSR) in the parathyroid cells (see my previous entry)

Immune System

 

reduces inflammation

improves immune function

Kidney (Renal)

 

reduces nephrosclerosis/glomerulosclerosis (kidney filter scarring)

reduces the amount of protein in the urine

slows down the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

reduces mortality in patients with CKD and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

Cancer

 

promotes cellular differentiation (cell type change)

inhibits cellular proliferation

reduces cancer risk and metastatic potential

 

Source: Nephrology Rounds. 2009; Volume 7, Issue 3

www.nephrologyrounds.org

I had two questions posed to me. Should renal patients be on a low protein diet? And should one be on a low sodium diet? The sodium issue I will speak of in the next entry. In terms of a low protein diet for renal patients, I do not recommend this for my own patients. Yes, there are studies showing that one can slow down the progression of renal deterioration slightly by a low protein diet. However, this would put the patient at risk for malnourishment. Moreover, low protein intake would entail a higher carbohydrate diet. A high carbohydrate diet may be one of the reasons for the CKD itself if the person has diabetes/metabolic syndrome.