Scientists Find Vitamin D Is Crucial In Human Immune Response To Tuberculosis
Posted Oct 12 2011 5:09pm
Vitamin D is not just important for building strong bones — it also plays an essential role in the body’s fight against infections such as tuberculosis, an international research team including UCLA scientists has found.
Tuberculosis, a potentially fatal lung disease, causes an estimated 1.8 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization, and it especially impacts those with reduced immunity, such as HIV-infected individuals.
In an interesting twist, people with darker skin traditionally have had a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis, and areas of Africa lead the world with the highest infection rates. Scientists believe this may be partly due to the skin pigment melanin. Melanin is more abundant in darker skin, which helps shield the body from ultraviolet rays, but it also reduces vitamin D production.
Vitamin D — a natural hormone, rather than a vitamin — is known to be instrumental in bone development but also may protect against cancer and autoimmune diseases and fight infections.
Vitamin D is not just important for building strong bones — it also plays an essential role in the body’s fight against infections such as tuberculosis, an international research team including UCLA scientists has found.
Tuberculosis, a potentially fatal lung disease, causes an estimated 1.8 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization, and it especially impacts those with reduced immunity, such as HIV-infected individuals.
In an interesting twist, people with darker skin traditionally have had a higher susceptibility to tuberculosis, and areas of Africa lead the world with the highest infection rates. Scientists believe this may be partly due to the skin pigment melanin. Melanin is more abundant in darker skin, which helps shield the body from ultraviolet rays, but it also reduces vitamin D production.
Vitamin D — a natural hormone, rather than a vitamin — is known to be instrumental in bone development but also may protect against cancer and autoimmune diseases and fight infections.