I don't think the
vitamin D mimic theory holds water. If you look at the vitamin D table (found by following Ralph's link), you'll see that the patients receiving a
placebo had a much greater increase in vitamin D levels than did the statin users.
This alone seems to suggest the exact opposite of what is being suggested in that part of the article.
Drug Status
Took drug or inactive placebo
Vitamin D level (nanomole/Liter of blood)
No statin
Active 65.9
Placebo 38.4
On statin
Active 74.0
Placebo 50.0
Source: American Journal Cardiology 2007 October 15; 100(8): 1329.
Note that the increase for statin users went from 65.9 to 74. I believe this is about an 11% increase.
The increase in the placebo users went from 38.4 to 50. I believe this is about a 23% increase