Is vitamin D deficiency associated with fibrosis (fib)?

From the Guidelines

Vitamin D deficiency is not directly associated with fibrosis (fib) based on the provided evidence. The evidence primarily discusses the definition, prevalence, and health outcomes associated with vitamin D deficiency, as well as the benefits and harms of screening and treatment for vitamin D deficiency in adults 1. However, it does not provide a clear link between vitamin D deficiency and fibrosis.

Key Points to Consider:

• The definition of vitamin D deficiency and the optimal level of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] are not well-established 1.
• Vitamin D plays important roles in calcium regulation, inflammation reduction, and regulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, all of which can affect various health outcomes 1.
• The evidence on the association between vitamin D status and health outcomes such as fractures, falls, cancer, cardiovascular disease, death, functional limitations, diabetes, and depression is inconsistent and varies depending on the cut point used to define deficiency, population, and setting 1.
• There is no direct mention of fibrosis as a health outcome associated with vitamin D deficiency in the provided evidence.

Recommendation:

Given the lack of direct evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to fibrosis, it is not recommended to screen for or treat vitamin D deficiency solely for the prevention or management of fibrosis. However, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is important for overall health, and individuals with deficiency may need supplementation under medical supervision. If you have concerns about fibrosis or vitamin D deficiency, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

From the Research

Association between Vitamin D Deficiency and Fibrosis

• The provided studies primarily focus on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and atrial fibrillation (AF), rather than fibrosis directly.
• However, some studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with increased risk of AF, which could be related to fibrosis in the context of cardiac health 2, 3, 4.
• A study published in the International Journal of Cardiology in 2015 notes that vitamin D negatively regulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS), which could contribute to inflammation and proarrhythmic substrate formation, potentially leading to fibrosis 3.
• Another study published in Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis in 2014 found a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and nonvalvular AF, with lower vitamin D levels observed in patients with nonvalvular chronic AF compared to those with valvular AF and control groups 4.
• However, not all studies found a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and AF, highlighting the need for further research to fully understand the relationship between vitamin D status and cardiac health, including potential links to fibrosis 5, 6.

Key Findings

• Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of AF in some studies, with potential implications for cardiac health and fibrosis 2, 3, 4.
• The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and AF is not fully understood, with inconsistent results across studies 5, 6.
• Further research is needed to determine the potential effects of vitamin D supplementation on AF risk and cardiac health, including any potential links to fibrosis 2, 3, 6.