Vitamin D and Cholesterol: What's The Link?

Vitamin D has received a lot of attention recently due to its beneficial effects on the immune system that some scientists believe can help you fight off the dreaded COVID-19 - don’t worry, that’s the last time we’ll mention the C word.

But the benefits of vitamin D go far beyond protecting us against illness and diseases. It also has a significant role in many other health aspects. One area that sparks a great deal of controversy is the link between vitamin D and cholesterol.

This article provides a brief overview of vitamin D and cholesterol and examines the current scientific evidence to understand how the two are linked.

Vitamin D - the sunshine vitamin

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin with several vital bodily roles. One of its main functions is to regulate calcium absorption, which is necessary for various processes ¹.

In addition, vitamin D helps support a healthy immune system by enhancing immune cell function and reducing inflammation. It also builds and maintains strong bones and teeth, improves cardiovascular function, keeps lungs healthy, protects against cancer, supports healthy muscle function, and is necessary for growth and development.

Vitamin D deficiency is not to be taken lightly - it can seriously impact your health. Not enough of this important vitamin puts you at greater risk of infection and chronic diseases like cancer. It may also contribute to depression, high blood pressure, bone-related problems such as rickets, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol.

So, now you know how important it is, you’re probably dying to know where you get it from. Vitamin D comes from two sources: foods such as fish, eggs, red meat, and mushrooms, or from sunlight.

A precursor to vitamin D is already present within your skin. When the sun’s UV rays hit your skin, a chemical reaction occurs to convert this precursor into an inactive form known as vitamin D3. But the body cannot use it like this, so it travels to the liver and kidneys, which convert it into an active and usable form called calcitriol.

What even is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a word that is frequently thrown around in discussions about health. High cholesterol, low cholesterol - what’s the deal here?

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Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance found in the blood and throughout the body. It often gets a bad rap, but it is not inherently bad. The body actually needs cholesterol to build healthy cells and make other vitamins (including vitamin D) and hormones.

But too much cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease. This is because high cholesterol causes fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, making them narrower and harder and restricting blood flow. If a blood clot forms and blocks the narrowed arteries, it can result in a heart attack or stroke.

There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” cholesterol that builds up in your arteries. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the “good” cholesterol, as it picks up excess LDL cholesterol and takes it away from the arteries and back to your liver. This kind helps protect against cardiovascular complications.

Triglycerides are another common type of blood fat that is worth mentioning. These are also considered unhealthy as high triglycerides and high LDL levels are more likely to cause fatty buildups in the arteries.

How does vitamin D affect cholesterol?

The connection between vitamin D and cholesterol is somewhat unclear and confusing; the scientific research is mixed.

Some studies have found a link between low vitamin D levels and high LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. Although this is just an observed association, further research is needed to prove whether vitamin D deficiency is the cause ².

Other studies looking at the effect of vitamin D supplements on cholesterol levels have conflicting results. Some have found that correcting vitamin D deficiency with supplements does not improve cholesterol, at least in the short term ³.

While others have found the opposite, according to one study, taking calcium and vitamin supplements together improved cholesterol levels in postmenopausal, overweight, or obese women ⁴.

Confusing, right? The main takeaway point here is that there is a possibility that vitamin D can help keep your cholesterol levels in check - it won’t do you any harm. And after considering the extensive list of other health benefits vitamin D has to offer, taking vitamin D supplements is a great way to support healthy living.

Performance Lab NutriGenesis Multi and PL-Immune provide a daily dose of vitamin D, along with other essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients for better immune function and healthy cholesterol levels. This powerful combo is a great way to take your health into your own hands and help your body function at optimal capacity.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin that serves many important functions, primarily regulating calcium levels in the body, as well as supporting a healthy immune system, building strong bones, regulating moods, and many more.

Cholesterol isn’t all bad and is needed by the body for some processes. LDL cholesterol is considered unhealthy, as it can clog up arteries and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Whereas HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol, as it removes LDL cholesterol and protects against cardiovascular diseases.

Although results are mixed, some evidence suggests vitamin D supplements can help keep cholesterol levels low to support better heart health. But we know that taking a vitamin D supplement is a great way to maintain many other aspects of health and help you fight illness and disease.