How do statins work? They dramatically raise vitamin D levels.
From John Cannell, MD
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/
Several studies have shown that statins raise 25(OH)D levels but last month the above study showed that Crestor nearly tripled Vitamin D levels, from 14 to 36 ng/ml, in just 8 weeks. I loved what the author concluded, We have no idea of the mechanism involved. Nor do I as statins should lower, not increase, vitamin D levels because statins reduce Vitamin Ds precursor, cholesterol. As Dr. Yavuz said, This is clearly an opportunity for further research.
These results are simply amazing, from 14 to 36 ng/ml in 8 weeks and the study was conducted in the winter, when levels should fall, not rise. Just think, if the pleiotropic (many effects) statin drugs work by simply raising Vitamin D levels (and statins pleitropic effects are certainly not mediated through lowering cholesterol levels), then that is one expensive way to raise Vitamin D levels. However, it is the perfect commentary on the American health care system; that is, in America we use statins to treat Vitamin D deficiency, not Vitamin D.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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3 comments:
So could the rumor be true - the drug companies really do have control of the US health care system??
Thank you for being brave enough to make these comments.
Dorothy McCartney
Sad but true Dr. Joe. The drug companies need to find new uses for their old warhorses. Let's just spend billions more on what a little extra exercise and some cheap vitamins can cure. Oh my.
Cheers,
Steve L
New York
My understanding (from reading lots as a layperson) is that statins also increase nitric oxide. Is this a correct interpretation?
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