Vitamin D Deficiency In Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disease is characterized by abnormal function of the body's immune system that causes the body to attack its own cells and tissues. According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, the most common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Type I diabetes and certain thyroid conditions. Research found that vitamin D deficiency and supplementation with this nutrient may benefit individuals with autoimmune conditions.

Sources

Also called the sunshine vitamin, this nutrient is produced in your body by the action of sunlight on the skin. Since exposure to sun is critical to manufacture vitamin D in the body, people who live far from the equator will not get enough vitamin D from the sun, especially in the winter. Also, individuals who are exposed to the sun's rays but who have darker skin, have most of their bodies covered by clothes, use sunscreen protection, are overweight and elderly do not get enough vitamin D. Foods rich in vitamin D, such as egg yolks, liver and fish, as well as supplements help prevent a shortage of this nutrient.

Deficiency

According to Harvard School of Public Health, 1 billion individuals have a vitamin D deficiency worldwide. Harvard indicates that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in developing muscle and bone conditions, heart disease, certain types of cancer, tuberculosis, premature deaths, and autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis or Type I diabetes.

Research

In the November 2010 issue of "Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatology," a summary of studies that evaluated the link between vitamin D and autoimmune diseases concluded that vitamin D plays a role in both acquired and innate immune systems. Out of 1,446 studies that were reviewed, 76 clinical studies had examined vitamin D levels in autoimmune disease patients, and 19 research studies were designed to assess the benefits of vitamin D supplementation for specific autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D was found to have the potential to prevent autoimmune diseases in cross-sectional studies, and further interventional studies are needed to further evaluate the benefits of vitamin D for autoimmune conditions.

Supplementation

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, as of 2010, infants require 400 international units of vitamin D daily and children, pregnant women and adults up to 70 years of age need 600 IU daily of vitamin D. Adults who are 71 years or older require 800 IU of vitamin D daily. For prevention and treatment of specific autoimmune diseases, the recommended dosage is higher.

Considerations

If you suffer from an autoimmune disorder, consult a qualified practitioner who can test whether you are deficient in vitamin D, recommend the optimal dosage for your condition and offer advice on possible side effects and drug interactions.