Vitamin D is extremely important for your bones. Vitamin D is also important for healthy immune system. Read on to know how vitamin D is linked with bad cholesterol inside your body.
Vitamin D and cholesterol: Here's the link
HIGHLIGHTS
- Vitamin D can affect your cholesterol levels
- Sun is the best source of vitamin D
- There are foods sources of vitamin D as well other than sunlight
Vitamin D also known the sunshine vitamin is required by the body for various essential functions. It is responsible for healthy bones and teeth as it helps in better absorption of calcium from the diet consumed. Vitamin D is also important for healthy immune system. It also promotes healthy pregnancy. You might not know vitamin D is also linked with cholesterol. Poor cholesterol levels are extremely bad for your health. It can significantly increase the risk of several diseases including heart diseases. Read on to know how vitamin D is linked with bad cholesterol inside your body.
Vitamin D and cholesterol: What is the link?
Various studies have stressed the relationship between vitamin D and cholesterol levels. Some studies have shown that vitamin D does not show any cholesterol-lowering effect. Whereas, a study in 2014 highlighted that calcium and vitamin D supplements help improve cholesterol levels in some cases.
Optimum vitamin D intake is extremely important for your bones
Photo Credit: iStock
Dr. Bimal Chhajer explains, "Vitamin D is one of the essential vitamins for overall well-being. The main function of vitamin D is better absorption of calcium from the diet consumed. If levels of vitamin D are too less, it will not absorb calcium and hence the bloodstream absorbs its amount of calcium from bones which leads to weak bones. The main sources of Vitamin D include diet, sunlight and supplements that also assist in maintaining the body's immune system and heart health."
"Cholesterol is required to transform the vitamin source before being put to actual use, to make certain hormones. While there is conflicting information that Vitamin D is a proven essential in lowering the LDL levels or vice versa. While various studies have shown that limited intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements improved the cholesterol levels in post-menopausal women with prolonged obesity, but cholesterol-lowering drugs have also been shown to prevent vitamin D from being absorbed in the bloodstream. It is thus advised to consult the doctor before overdosing," adds Dr.Bimal.
He also highlighted that vitamin D is essential for the human body. One should maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. Add food sources of vitamin D to your diet including orange juice, oatmeal, cereal, soy milk, cow milk, salmon, mushrooms and egg yolks.
(Dr. Bimal Chhajer, Director, SAAOL Heart Centre)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
