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View Full Version : Maybe here is how I statins work.



David Ellis
07-12-2008, 07:37 PM
In this study Atorvastatin was found responsible for an increase in vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels in the blood. Plaque contains calcium. You don't have to wait 12 months to get the effect, Vitamin D is supposed to increase and stabilize after 4 weeks or so. I have to admit though that I was disappointed that I had a low calcium reading after supplementing for two years at 2400 iu of D3/day in gelatin capsules. I am currently supplementing at 5000 iu hoping to hit the mid-range.

"Atorvastatin treatment produced a statistically significant .... increase in vitamin D levels (41+/-19 vs 47+/-19 nmol/L, p=0.003). Vitamin D deficiency was decreased by 75% to 57% at 12 months."



Effects of Atorvastatin on vitamin D levels in patients with acute ischemic heart disease.

Am J Cardiol. 2007 Apr 1;99(7):903-5

Authors: Pérez-Castrillón JL, Vega G, Abad L, Sanz A, Chaves J, Hernandez G, Dueñas A

Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for osteoporosis and other chronic diseases, including type 1 diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and ischemic heart disease. Cholesterol and vitamin D share the 7-dehydrocholesterol metabolic pathway. This study evaluated the possible effect of atorvastatin on vitamin D levels in patients with acute ischemic heart disease. Eighty-three patients (52 men and 31 women) with an acute coronary syndrome (75 with acute myocardial infarction and 8 with unstable angina) were included. After diagnosis, patients received atorvastatin as secondary prevention. Serum vitamin D was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography at baseline and at 12 months. Atorvastatin treatment produced a statistically significant decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels and an increase in vitamin D levels (41+/-19 vs 47+/-19 nmol/L, p=0.003). Vitamin D deficiency was decreased by 75% to 57% at 12 months. In conclusion, atorvastatin increases vitamin D levels. This increase could explain some of the beneficial effects of atorvastatin at the cardiovascular level that are unrelated to cholesterol levels.

PMID: 17398180 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

maxlharris
07-13-2008, 02:36 PM
Meanwhile, most people around these parts would rather have highish cholesterol than take a statin. Based on everything else. Like organ health. Like mental clarity. Like based on the lack of any proven life extending benefit for anyone other than sub 65 males who have already had a cardio event.