Vitamin D & Cavernous Malformation

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in a few foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis.

It has been established that inflammation is one of the mechanisms that drives cavernous malformation disease. Vitamin D has several roles in the body, including reduction of inflammation and benefit to the immune system.

What Research Tells Us

In one study, patients with one or more features of chronically aggressive disease (early age at symptom onset, two or more symptomatic bleeds, high lesion burden) had significantly lower Vitamin D levels in comparison to patients without these features. In another study, low Vitamin D level was more common in CM patients presenting with hemorrhage. It has also been suggested from mouse model studies that Vitamin D may play a role in stabilizing CCM2 disease.

What Can You Do

The CMC Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board agrees that having a healthy level of Vitamin D is important for all cavernous malformation patients. It is advisable to talk to your physician about supplemental Vitamin D. 

The recommended nutritional intake from Osteoporosis Canada such as milk or yogurt or supplementation is:

• Men and women < 50 yr: 400 IU/day 
• Men and women ≥ 50 yr: 800 IU/ day
• For most healthy adults, regardless of age, the recommended vitamin D3 intake is 800–1000 IU (20–25 µg) per day.

In Canada, testing to assess Vitamin D levels for deficiency is only available through the provincial health system with certain health conditions. At this time, cavernous malformation is not one of the conditions listed. Individuals may be able to access a Vitamin D test through a pay direct lab service such as through a naturopath, or private lab.

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