VDR

As discussed above either the ‘G’ or ‘A’ allele of BsmI is associated with reduced VDR activity and hence calcium uptake, depending on the alleles present in the other VDR SNPs TaqI and ApaI. If one of the harmful combinations of SNPs is present vitamin D supplementation is recommended to ensure that proper calcium uptake can occur.

Given that the majority of us are vitamin D deficient through lifestyle changes supplementation is typically recommended regardless of underlying genetic issues ^3,4.

The main role of vitamin D binding to VDR is to promote proper uptake of calcium from the gut. Whilst, calcium is not limited in the normal diet those pursuing a vegan, or dairy free diet may consider supplementation, especially if they carry one of the combination of risk alleles described above ⁵.

There have been numerous observations that an increase in caffeine intake associates with poor bone health and a risk of developing osteoporosis. Caffeine is thought to promote the excretion of calcium in urine, whilst simultaneously preventing the production of new bone. Whilst there is an association with increased caffeine intake and poor bone health for the TaqI allele, nothing has been described for BsmI.

Although the ‘T’ allele of the FokI SNP is associated with normal VDR activity, and the ‘C’ allele with increased activity it is likely that the vast majority of us are deficient in vitamin D. Therefore supplementation is to be recommended to ensure both healthy calcium uptake, and that the other cellular activities dependent on vitamin D can proceed normally ⁴.

When vitamin D binds to VDR it modulates calcium uptake from the gut. Calcium is not normally limited in a normal diet; however, those pursuing a vegan, or dairy free diet may consider supplementation, especially if they carry the ‘C’ allele of FokI ⁵.

There is a small chance, depending on other dietary choices that high VDR activity, potentially associated with the ‘C’ allele of the SNP FokI can lead to abnormally high calcium levels in the blood. It is hypothesized that if too much calcium is present in the blood, excessive or irregular muscle contractions can occur; which can manifest as an irregular or racing heartbeat ⁶.

As discussed above either the ‘T’ or ‘C’ allele of TaqI is associated with reduced VDR activity and hence calcium uptake, depending on the alleles present in the other VDR SNPs BsmI and ApaI. If one of the harmful combinations of SNPs is present vitamin D supplementation is recommended to ensure that proper calcium uptake can occur. However, given that the majority of us are vitamin D deficient anyway supplementation is to be recommended to ensure both healthy calcium uptake, and that the other cellular activities dependent on vitamin D can proceed normally ^3,4.

Vitamin D binds to VDR promoting proper uptake of calcium from the gut. Calcium is not usually limited in the normal diet. However, those pursuing a vegan, or dairy free diet may consider supplementation, especially if they carry one of the combination of risk alleles described above ⁵.

There are numerous observations reports of an increase in caffeine intake associating with poor bone health and a risk of developing osteoporosis. Caffeine is thought to increase the excretion of calcium from the body, whilst also preventing the production of new bone. The effect is particularly pronounced in post-menopausal women, especially those carrying the ‘T’ allele of TaqI.

As discussed above either the ‘T’ or ‘G’ allele of ApaI is associated with reduced VDR activity and hence calcium uptake, depending on the alleles present in the other VDR SNPs TaqI and BsmI. If one of the harmful combinations of SNPs is present vitamin D supplementation is recommended to ensure that proper calcium uptake can occur. However, given that the majority of us are vitamin D deficient anyway supplementation is to be recommended to ensure both healthy calcium uptake, and that the other cellular activities dependent on vitamin D can proceed normally ^3,4.

A major function of vitamin D binding to VDR is to ensure proper uptake of calcium from the gut. Whilst, calcium is not typically limited in the normal diet those pursuing a vegan, or dairy free diet may consider supplementation, especially if they carry one of the combination of risk alleles described above ⁵.

There have been numerous observations that an increase in caffeine intake associates with poor bone health and a risk of developing osteoporosis. Caffeine is thought to promote the excretion of calcium in urine, whilst simultaneously preventing the production of new bone. Whilst there is an association with increased caffeine intake and poor bone health for the TaqI allele, nothing has been described for ApaI.