Vitamin D and Dyslipidemia: Is There Really a Link? A Narrative Review

Abstract

Nowadays, the interest in the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D is growing. In the literature, its several possible actions have been confirmed. Vitamin D seems to have a regulatory role in many different fields—inflammation, immunity, and the endocrine system—and many studies would demonstrate a possible correlation between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we deepened the relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia by reviewing the available literature. The results are not entirely clear-cut: on the one hand, numerous observational studies suggest a link between higher serum vitamin D levels and a beneficial lipid profile, while on the other hand, interventional studies do not demonstrate a significant effect. Understanding the possible relationship between vitamin D and dyslipidemia may represent a turning point: another link between vitamin D and the cardiovascular system.

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on serum lipid profiles in people with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Third, increasing vitamin D serum levels may improve TG and HDL in people with T2D. Vitamin D deficiency potentially impacts the functioning of beta cells and insulin resistance, consequently affecting lipoprotein metabolism and leading to elevated TG levels and decreased HDL levels ( 58 ). Lastly, vitamin D may reduce TG levels by regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH).…”

“…Lastly, vitamin D may reduce TG levels by regulating parathyroid hormone (PTH). The elevation of PTH levels may lead to an increase in the production of TG, and the presence of vitamin D inhibits the secretion of PTH in the bloodstream ( 58 , 59 ).…”