Source: Reuters
Half the world’s population does not get enough vitamin D. As new studies arise, this shortage could be more important than previously considered. Vitamin D has long been linked to the body’s ability to absorb calcium—but now new studies show that vitamin D might prove an even more important role in the body. In fact, findings could potentially redirect the fight against infection, disease, and health epidemics worldwide.
New Danish studies show that vitamin D actually plays a integral role in the body’s immune system. Scientists found that vitamin D influences the way that T cells, the cells that kill infection within the immune system. T cells rely on the vitamin to become active. Without enough vitamin D in the blood, T cells stay dormant and do not recognize the threat to the body. T cells work by becoming active and signaling the immune system to work. T cells require vitamin D to function and without the vitamin, these cells will not mobilize and do their job. Previously, scientists were unaware of the role of vitamin D beyond the absorption of calcium.
The body makes most vitamin D as a by-product from the skin’s exposure to sunlight. In addition, the vitamin can be found in fish liver oil, eggs, fatty fish, or taken as a supplement. Researchers estimate that about half of the human population worldwide does not have enough vitamin D. This problem may only increase due to people’s increased propensity toward staying indoors.
This new information about the vitamin’s role is essential to understanding the human body, treating immune systems, and developing vaccines in the future. Understanding this could also impact the way bodies react to organ transplants, which rely on immunosuppressants. After transplants, T cells can see the new organ as a invasion of the body and attack it. The same effect happens with autoimmune diseases. As of now, scientists are unsure of the optimal amount of vitamin D people should seek daily. But experts do recommend about 25-50 micrograms a day. These studies provide another reason to welcome the impending warm weather by getting out in the sun.
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