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November 05, 2024 06:32 PM IST
Studies have found a seasonal deficiency that may increase the risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
Winter is coming, the days are getting shorter and with it a serious health threat is also looming. The sun’s mild rays are not sufficient to produce vitamin D, leading to seasonal deficiencies. A research study from McGill University published in Science Advances suggests that this seasonal deficiency of vitamin D may have substantial and long-lasting consequences, especially for children.
Also read: Vitamin D deficiency: why it is becoming common; Lifestyle Changes That Can Help
Dangers of Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D plays an important role in the development and functioning of the immune system. The thymus is a gland that is affected by vitamin D deficiency. The gland prepares and trains immune cells to identify and fight any harmful invaders or pathogens in the body. Especially in children, due to deficiency of Vitamin D, this gland starts aging prematurely. This results in a ‘leaky’ immune system. This is a very serious condition that causes immune cells to mistakenly attack healthy tissues, causing autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
The study builds on findings from a 2001 study from Finland, which showed that children who received vitamin D supplements early in life had up to a five-fold reduced risk of later developing type 1 diabetes.
Also read: Struggling with intimacy? Tips for Using Vitamin D Supplements to Improve Your Sexual Health
More information about research
Lead researcher Professor John White and his team conducted detailed experiments on genetically modified mice with vitamin D deficiency to better understand. Their investigation of rats showed significant effects on the thymus and immune system of these rats. This established the link between vitamin D and immunity. This is more likely to be reflected in humans as well. Even though this experiment was conducted on rats, the similarity in thymus function across species indicates that the findings are relevant to human health as well.
This brings to the fore the role of vitamin D in the bigger picture of human health. Previously, researchers had found the importance of vitamin D in aiding bone health. But this study shows that it is also important for immune regulation. Researchers found it promising because it could open new doors for treating autoimmune diseases.
Also read: Vitamin D deficiency from heatwave; 10 unexpected causes of heart failure; Tips to live longer
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