Scientists have found that people with the AA gene variation did not respond to treatment with high doses of vitamin D
LIGA.net news editor, “Life” section
Illustrative photo: Freepik
Untreated prediabetes can develop into type 2 diabetes, but vitamin D can help slow or prevent this process. About writes The Independent.
A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University in Massachusetts showed that adults with prediabetes who had certain variations in the vitamin D receptor gene had a 19% reduction in the risk of developing diabetes when taking high doses of vitamin D daily.
The study analyzed data from the D2d clinical trial, in which more than 2,000 US adults with prediabetes received either 4,000 units of vitamin D daily or a placebo.
In the body, vitamin D is converted to the active form, which binds to the vitamin D receptor, a protein that helps cells respond to it.
Researchers have suggested that genetic differences in this receptor may explain why some people benefit from vitamin D and others do not. It is known that the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin have such receptors, which means that the vitamin may have an effect on insulin secretion and sugar control.
The researchers divided the participants into two groups: those who were likely to benefit from vitamin D supplementation and those who were not.
They found that people with a gene variation called AA, which occurs in 30% of the population, did not respond to daily treatment with high doses of vitamin D. But the same treatment in adults with two other variations, AC and CC, significantly reduced the risk of developing diabetes.
However, the authors of the study warn against self-administration of high doses without consulting a doctor. The NHS recommends not exceeding 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) per day, as excess can lead to calcium buildup in the body, which can damage bones, kidneys, and heart.
Read more about why the incidence of chronic diseases has begun to increase among young people and how you can protect your health today in the material PRO: “Diabetes, strokes, and cancer are getting younger. Doctors and a pathophysiologist explain how to protect yourself“.