Chronic inflammation is a condition that occurs when the body’s immune system is unable to respond effectively against foreign invaders or when it mistakenly attacks healthy cells.

This condition can cause various health problems, including autoimmune diseases, heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. While there can be various causes of chronic inflammation, research suggests a deficiency in a popular vitamin to be one of them.

In this article, we will discuss what this vitamin is, how it affects the body, and how its deficiency is linked to chronic inflammation.

What is the Popular Vitamin?

The popular vitamin referred to here is Vitamin D. Also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D is an essential nutrient needed by the body for the absorption of calcium.

It plays a crucial role in the maintenance of bone health and the regulation of the immune system.

How Vitamin D Affects the Body?

Vitamin D is produced by the body when the skin is exposed to the sun. It can also be obtained from dietary sources like fish, egg yolks, and fortified products like milk.

Once obtained, Vitamin D is metabolized in the liver and kidneys into its active form, known as calcitriol.

The primary function of Vitamin D is to promote the absorption of calcium from the intestine and its utilization by bones. Vitamin D also contributes to maintaining normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.

Contrary to popular belief, Vitamin D does not directly build bones, but rather, it supports the overall skeletal system by facilitating calcium uptake, reducing inflammation and improving muscle health.

Vitamin D also plays a significant role in modulating the immune system’s activity. It regulates the expression of genes involved in the immune response, thereby preventing autoimmunity and protecting the host against infections.

Vitamin D deficiency is linked with several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

How Deficiency in Vitamin D is Linked to Chronic Inflammation?

A growing body of evidence suggests that Vitamin D deficiency can lead to chronic inflammation. According to a study published in PLOS One, low levels of Vitamin D are associated with increased inflammatory markers in the body(1).

Another study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that individuals with low levels of Vitamin D have an increased risk of developing chronic inflammation and metabolic syndrome(2).

The lack of Vitamin D can also cause the immune system to become dysregulated. It can trigger the production of proinflammatory cytokines and reduce the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to persistent inflammation(3).

This chronic inflammation can cause damage to the body’s tissues and organs, leading to several chronic diseases.

Research also suggests that Vitamin D plays an essential role in preventing and treating autoimmune diseases.

Individuals with autoimmune diseases like RA and multiple sclerosis have been found to have lower levels of Vitamin D than healthy individuals(4).

Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency on Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to several chronic inflammatory conditions like RA, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and psoriasis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune condition that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints. Studies have reported that individuals with RA have lower levels of Vitamin D than healthy individuals(5).

Supplementing with Vitamin D has been found to improve RA symptoms such as joint pain and swelling(6). Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism reported that Vitamin D supplementation reduced inflammation and improved bone density in individuals with RA(7).

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD is a group of inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Studies have reported that low levels of Vitamin D are common in individuals with IBD(8).

Vitamin D supplementation has been found to improve inflammation and reduce the need for surgery in individuals with Crohn’s disease(9).

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes scaling and redness of the skin. Studies have reported that low levels of Vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis(10).

Vitamin D supplementation has been found to improve psoriasis symptoms by reducing inflammation and the severity of skin lesions(11).

Sources of Vitamin D

The primary source of Vitamin D is the sun. When exposed to sunlight, the skin cells produce Vitamin D, which is then absorbed by the body. However, factors like geography, season, and skin colour can affect the amount of Vitamin D obtained from the sun.

During winter sunlight exposure can reduce drastically, and people who live in areas with less sun exposure may have to rely on dietary sources to obtain sufficient amounts of Vitamin D.

Dietary sources of Vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, egg yolks, and fortified foods like milk, yogurt, and cereals.

Conclusion

Vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating the immune system, maintaining bone health, and preventing chronic inflammation. Deficiency in this popular vitamin can lead to several health problems, including autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.

Individuals with these conditions may benefit from Vitamin D supplementation to improve symptoms and prevent disease progression. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements to determine the appropriate dosage and potential interactions with any medications or existing health conditions.