(NaturalNews) Many in the medical profession are beginning to recognize that people who take cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are becoming vitamin D-deficient. Cholesterol is required by the body to synthesize vitamin D and statin drugs are are responsible for eliminating it, leading many to speculate that statin drug users do not have enough cholesterol to process vitamin D.
Contrary to popular belief, cholesterol actually plays an important role in maintaining health. It regulates proper hormonal levels and is the precursor substance for the production of vitamin D. Cholesterol also works to digest and absorb
fats, nutrients, and vitamins.
When converting sunlight into vitamin D,
cholesterol in the skin acts as the catalyst for this important process.
Vitamin D is crucial for mineral metabolization and is said to target over 2000 human genes. Deficiency is linked to over 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart
disease, autoimmune diseases, muscle and bone problems, and other serious diseases.
In the study, researchers found a clear connection between vitamin D deficiency and
muscle pain. Over 64 percent of patients with muscle pain who were taking
statin drugs were also deficient in vitamin D. Those with muscle
pain in general were found to be deficient in vitamin D.
When study participants who reported muscle pain were given 50,000 IU of vitamin D a week for 12 weeks, more than 92 percent of them were completely relieved of all muscle pain. The prescribed supplementation also raised blood levels of vitamin D to normal levels.
It is also known that statin
drugs are responsible for depleting
CoQ10 levels, a vital substance that metabolizes energy in the
body. Both CoQ10 and vitamin D supplementation are recommended for anyone who takes statin drugs. A minimum of 2,000 IU of vitamin D and between 100 and 200 mg of CoQ10 daily are appropriate doses.
Studies have shown that taking CoQ10 by itself helps to maintain proper
cholesterol levels without the need for statin drugs. While keeping bad cholesterol (LDL) levels low is beneficial, it is important to keep good cholesterol (HDL) levels high. CoQ10 works well at maintaining
healthy levels of both.
Some other
alternatives to keeping cholesterol levels in check include supplementation with niacin and policosanol. In conjunction with a healthy
diet low in refined sugars and bad fats, these
natural alternatives are both safe and effective. Exercise and a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also good suggestions.
Sources for this story include:
http://www.stopagingnow.com/news/news_flashes/6843/Do-Statin-Drugs-Cause-... http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/
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