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Greater Microbe Diversity Found With More Active Vitamin D

Researchers have discovered that men with higher levels of active vitamin D also have more diverse, healthier gut microbes.

Vitamin D circulates in the body as 25-hydroxyvitamin D, an inactive precursor of active vitamin D, known as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Most studies simply measure the precursor, but researchers at UCSD recently discovered that levels of active vitamin D are associated with gut microbe diversity (Nature Communications, Nov. 26, 2020).

Vitamin D Is a Hormone:

When sun strikes human skin, skin cells use a cholesterol compound to manufacture previtamin D (Dermatoendocrinology, Jan. 1, 2013). The liver and the kidneys then convert this natural chemical to the circulating and then to the active forms. 

Although we talk about vitamin D in the same way we discuss vitamin C or vitamin E, it is actually a hormone. When it was discovered, scientists realized that this compound is crucial for normal bone growth. Over the last half century, scientists have discovered that vitamin D receptors found in tissues throughout the body play a wide range of essential roles (Endocrine Connections, Oct. 2020). In particular, the cells lining the digestive tract are rich in these receptors, bringing us to the current research.

Studying the Microbiome:

Nearly 600 healthy older men participating in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study provided data for this study. The scientists analyzed both stool and blood samples. As a result, they found that men with higher levels of the active hormone had more diverse gut microbiota. Specifically, they had higher levels of 12 types of bacteria that produce butyrate. This compound reduces inflammation and improves the function of cells lining the gut (World Journal of Gastroenterology, March 28, 2011). In addition, when bacteria produce this fatty acid, animals (and possibly humans) sleep better (Scientific Reports, May 7, 2019).

Surprisingly, there were no correlations between levels of vitamin D precursor and microbial diversity. Perhaps studies that look only at precursor levels are missing an important part of the picture.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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Citations
  • Thomas RL et al, "Vitamin D metabolites and the gut microbiome in older men." Nature Communications, Nov. 26, 2020. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19793-8
  • Wacker M & Holick MF, "Sunlight and vitamin D: A global perspective for health." Dermatoendocrinology, Jan. 1, 2013. doi: 10.4161/derm.24494
  • Boucher BJ, "Why do so many trials of vitamin D supplementation fail?" Endocrine Connections, Oct. 2020. DOI: 10.1530/EC-20-0274
  • Canani RB et al, "Potential beneficial effects of butyrate in intestinal and extraintestinal diseases." World Journal of Gastroenterology, March 28, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i12.1519
  • Szentirmai E et al, "Butyrate, a metabolite of intestinal bacteria, enhances sleep." Scientific Reports, May 7, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-43502-1
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