Low Levels of Vitamin D Associated with Inflammation

by | Jan 12, 2016 | 2014, Vitamin D - Infections & Immunity, Vitamin D - Recommended Levels, Vitamins

Written by Jessica Patella, ND. This large study shows that deficient levels of vitamin D are associated with twice the risk of inflammation in the body.

Over 1 billion people worldwide are estimated to be deficient in vitamin D (1). This can be due to low sunshine exposure and the lack of rich dietary sources (2). Vitamin D is most well-known for its role in bone health but recent research shows that vitamin D may also affect immune function (2,3).

When immune function is suppressed, the body is more vulnerable to inflammation (4). A pro-inflammatory state in the body is associated with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis (5-7). Laboratory research has shown that vitamin D can significantly decrease the concentration of inflammatory markers in the body (TNF-alpha, IL-6, CRP) and increase anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10) (8).

The first large observational study to investigate if vitamin D could decrease inflammation in the body included 957 adults (60 years or older, 481 male, 476 female) from Ireland (2). The participants were randomly selected from a larger cohort study (2).

Vitamin D status was measured as deficient if less than 25 nmol/L, insufficient if 25-75 nmol/L and sufficient if 75 nmol/L or greater (9). As vitamin D levels increased, a significant (P<0.05) decrease was observed in the concentration of inflammatory markers in the body (IL-6, CRP) (2).

As vitamin D levels increased, a significant decrease was also observed in the ratio of inflammatory to anti-inflammatory markers in the body (IL-6:IL-10, P<0.001; CRP:IL-10, P<0.05) (2). Participants who were vitamin D deficient (<25nmol/L) were significantly more likely to have an inflammatory to anti-inflammatory marker ratio greater than 2:1, compared to those with sufficient vitamin D status (>75nmol/L) (IL-6:IL-10, P=0.031) (2).

These results show that deficient levels of vitamin D are associated with more inflammation in the body and higher, more sufficient levels of vitamin D are associated with less inflammation in the body. It is important to note this is an observational type study and a double-blinded study would have to be conducted to confirm these results. However, this study provides strong preliminary evidence since it supports previous laboratory research (8) and it was a large population study (2).

In conclusion, this was the first study to show an association between vitamin D levels and markers of inflammation in the body in older adults (2). These findings suggest a higher vitamin D level in the body (>75 nmol/L) may reduce inflammation and therefore be helpful in disease states that cause high levels of inflammation throughout the body (2).

Jessica Patella, ND, is a naturopathic physician specializing in nutrition and homeopathic medicine and offers a holistic approach to health.  She earned her ND from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, AZ, and is a member of the North Carolina Association of Naturopathic Physicians.  Visit her website at  www.awarenesswellness.com.

Source: Laird, E., et al. “Vitamin D deficiency is associated with inflammation in older Irish adults.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 99.5 (2014): 1807-1815.

© 2014 by the Endocrine Society

Posted April 14, 2014.

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