Vitamin D and Steroids
Vitamin D and Steroids – How Does Vitamin D Help
Steroids are commonly given by physicians to treat various illnesses suffered by their patients like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pain in the lower back, as well as asthma. However, when these steroids are used for a prolonged period, the patients can acquire serious ill effects. These effects include the avascular necrosis of the shoulder of the hip as well as life threatening infections, macular enema, severe osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, and proximal myopathy.
The body’s deficiency in vitamin D is considered as the major pathway for the side effects of steroids to occur. The effects of steroids in the body counter the beneficial effects acquired by the body through the production of vitamin D. As vitamin D is known to enhance the formation of the bones through the stimulation of osteoblasts and through increasing calcium absorption to prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism, the use of steroids inhibit osteoblast stimulation, decrease calcium absorption in the intestine, increase in the wasting of calcium from the kidneys, and causing secondary hyperparathyroidism. Steroids are then able to cause osteoporosis or rapid bone loss in patients.
The intake of vitamin D boosts the immune system but it is suppressed when steroids are taken. Steroids can also increase blood pressure as well as cause myopathy while vitamin D helps reduce blood pressure and contributes to the build-up of muscles. The use of steroid opposes the benefits provided by vitamin D, but how does this happen?
Steroids actually change the vitamin D receptors in the body, greatly reducing its circulation. This leads to various side effects and it also causes obesity.
Clinically, steroids steal away the beneficial effects that are provided by vitamin D in as fast as five days. That is why most specialists highly recommend their patients taking steroids to double their intake of vitamin D. They are also advised to closely monitor their urine calcium and serum levels. Patients taking steroids are also restricted to salt of intake of 3 grams a day. They are also provided with a thiazide diuretic, which helps reduce the calcium wasting in their kidneys.
Until now, there are no drugs available that can cure osteoporosis caused by the prolonged use of steroids. The only best solution available is to prevent it from occurring through monitoring steroid intake and making sure that vitamin D in the body is sufficient.
