Vit D reduces inflammation

[Guest guest]

This study suggests that adequate vitamin D reduces inflammation in

the body (inflammation particularly related to periodontal disease, a

risk factor for heart disease).

" . . . .it has been demonstrated that vitamin D can suppress

proinflammatory cytokine production. "

Link and full text:

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=62731 & m=1NIU922 & c=lqeudkujayvv\

lpc

Report highlights the importance of vitamin D for teeth

By Simon Pitman

9/22/2005 - A new report highlights the fact that vitamin D,

otherwise known as the sunshine vitamin, is just as essential in the

fight against oral diseases as calcium.

Although the report, which is published in the September issue of the

Journal of Periodontology, highlights that limited exposure to the sun

twice a week could help the body to product enough vitamin D to help

maintain oral health, taking supplements or upping dietary intake of

foods with a high vitamin D content, such as milk, eggs, sardines and

tuna fish, could be beneficial.

" Both vitamin D and calcium counteract deficiencies and reduce bone

resorption, " said Dr. Hildebolt, Department of Radiology,

Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.

" Numerous studies indicate that vitamin D and calcium deficiencies

result in bone loss and increased inflammation. Inflammation is a well

recognized symptom of periodontal diseases, which is why it has been

suggested that calcium and vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor

for periodontal diseases. "

However, the report states that ten to 15 minutes sun exposure two

times a week, could also be a means of producing natural vitamin D in

the body – a recommendation that is controversial with dermatologists

battling to reduce skin cancers.

" We are not encouraging people to forego their sun protection, nor to

spend prolonged periods of time in the sun, " said Iacono, DMD

and president of the American Academy of Periodontology.

" According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no such

thing as a total UV block. Even the most effective sunscreens

currently on the market let through enough UV to allow for adequate

vitamin D formation. "

Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that, if left untreated,

may cause damage to the bone and even tooth loss. But perhaps even

more serious, a number of infectious diseases have been linked with

low levels of vitamin D, and it has been demonstrated that vitamin D

can suppress proinflammatory cytokine production.

" Periodontal disease increases the production of cytokines, but it has

been demonstrated that vitamin D can suppress cytokine production, and

possibly decrease the risk of periodontal disease, " explained Hildebolt.

" Further research is needed to define the health risks associated with

inadequate levels of vitamin D and calcium intake and how they affect

periodontal diseases, " said Iacono. " Until we have further

information, it is prudent for patients to talk to their healthcare

providers about the possibility of taking vitamin D and calcium

supplements. "

There are currently a number of oral care products on the US market

that include vitamin D, but these tend to be niche or specialist and

aimed at the upper end of the mass market. Those products include Sea

Fresh Toothpaste by Natural Cosmetics, Dessert Essence Tea Tree

Oil Dental Floss and Vicco Herbal Toothpaste.