Abstract
Vitamin D supplementation is widely used. However, there is no consensus on the use and dosage of this supplement and the existing recommendations arise from studies based on the benefits that this nutrient can facilitate in bones. In addition, individual genetics can influence the response to supplementation, therefore, research involving monozygotic twins aims to reduce these differences in phenotypic responses. The objective of this randomised controlled study is to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition and the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA. An intervention was performed through supplementation with cholecalciferol at the concentration of 2000 IU in 90 healthy adult monozygotic twins (male or female pairs) for 2 months. The findings showed that serum vitamin D concentration increased by 65% and VDR gene expression sixty times (p = 0.001). Changes in body composition parameters were observed regarding body fat and lean mass. Our results indicate that an increase in serum vitamin D concentration may have potential therapeutic implications.
Highlights
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on genic expression of the genes vitamin D receptor (VDR),Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNFa), and Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Alpha (PPARa) and body composition in monozygotic twins (MZ) twins
The findings of this short-term longitudinal study demonstrated that cholecalciferol supplementation at a concentration of 2000 IU increased circulating serum vitamin D levels and VDR mRNA expression, as well as decreasing the percentage of body fat in MZ
These results are innovative since, for the first time, the effect of an increase in vitamin D on mRNA expression and body composition was evaluated without genetic influence and the results collaborate with discussions about the ideal 25 (OH) D cut-off point to be considered, since concentrations above 50 ng/mL brought beneficial consequences to the individual’s health
Summary
Individual genetics can influence the response to supplementation, research involving monozygotic twins aims to reduce these differences in phenotypic responses. The objective of this randomised controlled study is to examine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition and the expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) mRNA. Vitamin D is involved in several non-skeletal functions, such as cell regulation, differentiation, and growth[3], and adaptive and innate immunity c ontrol[5], as well as being associated with inflammatory m arkers[6], since the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in almost all human cells[7]. A gene expression study of vitamin D supplementation in this population is an innovative idea, since individual genetic variations influence serum levels of this m icronutrient[15,16]
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