Low Vitamin D Levels

Posted by Elaine Moore Nov 7, 2007

Evidence for the role of vitamin D deficiency in autoimmune disease continues to grow. According to researchers, vitamin D deficiency is an environmental trigger in many different autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune Disease Associations

Researchers from the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Pennsylvania State University report that low vitamin D levels occur in multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and inflammatory bowel disease. Low levels also occurs in diseases causing malabsorption of nutrients, such as Graves’ and celiac disease.

Vtamin D deficiency also occurs in patients with Crohn’s disease whose disease is in remission. In addition, increased sunlight exposure as children is associated with a lower risk of developing MS in adulthood.

Sources of Vitamin D

The most important source of vitamin D, measured as the hormone 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, is through sun exposure. The rate of absorption via sunlight, however, is affected by altitude, skin coloring, sunscreens and clothing that block sunlight absorption, and obesity. In persons exposed to high levels of sunlight, vitamin D toxicity doesn’t occur. Evidence suggests that 5-10 minutes of sunlight exposure between 11 am and 2 pm three times weekly during the spring, summer, and fall at 42 degrees latitude should provide a light-skinned person with adequate vitamin D. The exception is patients with lupus, who are advised to avoid direct sunlight because it can worsen symptoms and induce flares.

Supplements containing 400-1,000 IU of vitamin D3 are also available and some foods are fortified with vitamin D The recommendation for adults is 800 IU daily. Because vitamin D3 can cause increased risk of increased blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) in some adults, doses higher than 800 IU should only be used under the supervision of one’s physician.

Resource: Evidence grows for value of vitamin D, InFocus, publication of the Autoimmune and Related Diseases Association, September, 2007.