Although possibly more directly and obviously relevant to Rheumatoid Arthritis suffers, the frequency of low vitamin D here is such that it is just as important here.
We also still have the difficult questions about those who are unable to tolerate supplemental vitamin D - even the fundamental reasons for this seem unknown.
Vitamin D may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, suggests study
Higher doses may be needed, or possibly new treatment that bypasses or corrects vitamin D insensitivity, authors say
Maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels may help to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers.
A study led by the University of Birmingham compared the ability of immune cells in blood from inflamed joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis to respond to the so-called sunshine vitamin.
The experts found tissue that was not diseased responded well to vitamin D, suggesting it could be effective at preventing the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, which affects more than 400,000 people in the UK.
The vitamin proved much less effective once the disorder was established, suggesting much higher doses may be needed in combination with other anti-inflammatories such as steroids.
The study’s co-author, Prof Martin Hewison, said the results had significant implications for people in the UK.
“This is a particular problem within the UK population where almost everyone is going to have vitamin D deficiency, but it’s a particular concern for people with inflammatory diseases,” he said.
“How much vitamin D is needed to overcome that [disorder] is the missing piece of the jigsaw. It’s not going to be the same as is needed to prevent rickets.”
Rest of Guardian article here:
theguardian.com/lifeandstyl...
Full paper currently freely available here: