The Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Autoimmune Diseases

Abstract

Background: Autoimmune diseases, characterized by the immune system's attack on the body’s own tissues, represent a significant global health challenge. Recent studies have suggested a potential link between vitamin D deficiency and the development or exacerbation of autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune system regulation, and its deficiency may contribute to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. This study explores the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune diseases, aiming to evaluate the impact of vitamin D levels on disease onset, progression, and severity.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed vitamin D levels in individuals with autoimmune diseases. A total of 30 studies, involving 7,500 participants with various autoimmune conditions, were included. Outcomes such as disease activity, severity, and progression were evaluated in relation to vitamin D status. The effect size was calculated using mean differences and odds ratios (OR).
Results: Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with higher disease activity and increased severity in autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Supplementation with vitamin D improved disease activity in some conditions, especially in patients with the lowest baseline vitamin D levels. However, the evidence regarding its role in preventing autoimmune diseases remains inconclusive.
Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. While supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits in certain cases, further randomized trials are required to clarify its efficacy in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases.