10/15/2024
VDR Gene Mutations and Their Effects on Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, immune function, and overall health. However, some people have mutations in their Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene that affect how well their bodies can use vitamin D. These mutations can show up in blood tests as unusual vitamin D levels, which can impact overall health.
Common VDR Gene Mutations:
VDR Taq (TaqI): People with this mutation may have high levels of active vitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D) but low levels of stored vitamin D (25(OH)D). This can mean that the body is using vitamin D but not storing enough for future needs.
VDR Bsm (BsmI): This mutation can reduce how effectively the body uses vitamin D, leading to issues like bone health problems (e.g., osteoporosis) because the body isn’t using its vitamin D stores efficiently.
VDR Fok (FokI): This mutation may reduce how well vitamin D works in the body, affecting not just bone health but also immune function and possibly raising the risk of certain diseases, like diabetes.
Vitamin D Levels in Lab Tests:
Doctors should be checking two forms of vitamin D:
25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]: This is the stored form of vitamin D in the blood and shows how much vitamin D is available for future use.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)₂D]: This is the active form of vitamin D that the body uses for immediate functions.
For people with VDR mutations, it's common to see mismatches in these levels. For example, you might see high active vitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D) but low stored vitamin D (25(OH)D). This shows that the body is burning through its active vitamin D but doesn’t have much stored for later.
Supplements to Support VDR Mutations and Vitamin D Levels:
If you have a VDR mutation, certain supplements can help balance your vitamin D levels and support your body’s ability to use vitamin D effectively:
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): This is the form of vitamin D that your body makes from sunlight. It can help boost both stored (25(OH)D) and active (1,25(OH)₂D) vitamin D levels, making sure there’s enough for current and future use.
Vitamin K2: Vitamin K2 works with vitamin D to help your body use it more efficiently, especially in the bones and heart. It’s important to balance vitamin D and K2 for better bone health and calcium metabolism.
Vitamin A (not beta-carotene): Preformed vitamin A (from sources like liver or supplements) helps regulate VDR expression, meaning it helps your body’s VDR gene work better. This allows your body to use vitamin D more efficiently. Beta-carotene may not convert well for everyone, so getting preformed vitamin A is key.
Magnesium: This mineral is critical for activating vitamin D in the body. Without enough magnesium, your body might struggle to convert vitamin D into its active form. Magnesium also supports the enzymes needed for VDR gene activity. (Test with RBC Magnesium in the blood, NOT serum!)
Manganese: This lesser-known mineral helps support bone health and assists in the processes that allow your body to utilize vitamin D. It’s important for people with VDR mutations to ensure they’re getting enough manganese. Other trace minerals also can have an impact here. I like HBNaturals FULVIC ACID powder to support this as well.
Methyl Donors (like folate, B12): VDR gene mutations may affect methylation processes in the body. Methyl donors, like methylated folate and B12, support healthy methylation, which is important for gene expression and detoxification.
Gallbladder Support (bile salts): If your gallbladder isn’t functioning well, it can make it harder for your body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D. Bile salts or ox bile supplements can help support fat digestion and vitamin D absorption, especially if you have digestive issues.
Conclusion:
VDR gene mutations can affect how your body stores and uses vitamin D, leading to unusual lab results, like high active vitamin D but low stored vitamin D. Supplements such as vitamin D3, K2, vitamin A, magnesium, manganese, fulvic acid, methyl donors, and gallbladder support can help improve vitamin D metabolism and overall health. Working with your doctor to test your vitamin levels and find the right supplement regimen is important to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to function well.
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