Through my communications I was told today to keep my kids on vitamin D. Well, my doctor never mentioned about vitamin D and now I am curious so I got on line and here are some known facts:
Low vitamin D is linked to decreased cardiac function, muscle weakness, glucose insensitivity, and refractory congestive heart failure.
Increased iron in the heart becomes evident in children with thalassemia major around the age of 9 years. Two-thirds of adults with thalassemia have cardiac iron deposition. Iron cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in thalassemia. "Our study describes an association between low vitamin D, high cardiac iron, and increased ventricular dysfunction. We cannot prove [cause and effect], but vitamin D might be worsening the cardiac iron overload and the cardiac dysfunction through its modulation of calcium signaling in these patients."
"Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in thalassemia, and since osteoporosis is ubiquitous in this disease, vitamin D screening and replacement are probably indicated regardless of the heart findings," Dr. Wood said.
Increased iron in the heart becomes evident in children with thalassemia major around the age of 9 years. Two-thirds of adults with thalassemia have cardiac iron deposition. Iron cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in thalassemia. "Our study describes an association between low vitamin D, high cardiac iron, and increased ventricular dysfunction. We cannot prove [cause and effect], but vitamin D might be worsening the cardiac iron overload and the cardiac dysfunction through its modulation of calcium signaling in these patients."
"Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in thalassemia, and since osteoporosis is ubiquitous in this disease, vitamin D screening and replacement are probably indicated regardless of the heart findings," Dr. Wood said.
WOW! I didn't know that, one thing for sure I am going to go get vitamin D for my kids tonight. I will notify my doctor I have done so and I will check for correct dosages. You have the right to choose things in regards to yours or your children's heath care and treatment; but always make sure they know of any changes in case of an emergency but also ALWAYS make sure dosages are correct even when it comes to a vitamin can be just as deadly if used incorrectly.
Reference:
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?action=printpage;topic=2909.0
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