Are Vitamin D and the immune system linked?
My favourite way of taking Vitamin D is as a spray –
“The immune system defends the body from foreign, invading organisms, promoting protective immunity while maintaining tolerance to self”.
Vitamin D is a (group of) fat-soluble vitamins known mainly for activating Calcium activity in our bodies and promoting bone health.
But Vitamin D is a key supplement in the function of the immune system.
Vitamin D receptors are located on T (thymus) and B (Bone marrow) cells, primary drivers of the adaptive Immune System.
It is reported to modulate the activity of the Immune System by promoting and preventing the development of some molecules associated with the Immune System.
Deficiency (low level) of Vitamin D is linked to increased frequency of Respiratory Tract Infections as well as developing Autoimmunity (which is when the body fights against itself.)
But – How do we get Vitamin D?
Mainly from foods we consume —–
Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, fish (cod) liver oils
Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals
Beef liver, Cheese, Egg yolks and Dietary Supplements.
And Vitamin D is produced within our skin using ultraviolet beta (UVB) rays from the sun which convert a form of cholesterol (dihydroholesterol) into Vitamin D.
This means that anything that could prevent the sunrays effectively reaching the skin could lead to deficiency of Vit D – most common examples: (geographical) latitude, season of the year, use of sunblock and skin pigmentation.
Many studies have demonstrated a link between low Vit D and respiratory infections.
For populations where there is seasonal variation in access to sunlight, these higher rates of respiratory illness tend to happen during winter seasons where relative sunlight exposure is lower compared to summer.
This is one example suggesting Vitamin D and the immune system are linked.
Autoimmune disease is when the body’s own cells fight itself.
Somehow the immune system fails to recognise cells of its own body and behaves as if they are foreign threats.
Examples of Autoimmune diseases are Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, SLE – Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease – like Chron’s Disease.
Studies have shown that people with these diseases have low Vitamin D levels, sometimes to a severe degree.
These are some of the ideas over how Vitamin D and the immune system are linked.
AND MORE!!
Link to This Video:
More immune system videos:
Your immune system and Covid-19 Part 1:
Your immune system explained Part 2:
5 facts about the immune system –
E-health book – Ways to boost your immune system –
Other Covid-19 videos:
Discussions around Covid-19:
CoronaVirus Symptoms:
1.Scaremongering around CoronaVirus –
2. Chloroquine and Covid-19:
3. Managing Mild and Moderate Covid-19 symptoms at home –
Get our infogram with useful tips for managing some covid-19 symptoms at home-
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We provide evidence-based health care information meant to guide you to seek help appropriately.
Please always speak to your medical practitioner for medical advice or seek urgent medical advice if necessary.
Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe is a General Practitioner and Urgent Care
professional with nearly 20 years of practice in Nigeria and the United
Kingdom.
Her focus is on providing medical information that can help people make
smart health care decisions.
