Research contiues to demonstrate that Vitamin D has a strong role as a immunomodulator. Basically vitamin D balances and regulates the immune response keeping your immune system in check so that it doesn’t become overactive and potentially attack your own body as is the case with autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D can affect both innate and adaptive immunity, and prevent autoimmune responses efficiently. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with multiple diseases such as rickets and cancer. Moreover, associations between vitamin D and autoimmune diseases have been confirmed in multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), etc.
Zhang HL, Wu J. Role of vitamin D in immune responses and autoimmune diseases, with emphasis on its role in multiple sclerosis. Neurosci Bull. 2010 Dec;26(6):445-54.
Dr. Shook is training in functional medicine, and practices in Hickory, NC. Visit us online here.
