Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Reduced vitamin D intake has been linked to increased susceptibility to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This article outlines the association of vitamin D with disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone involved in bone and calcium metabolism. The hormone is synthesized in the skin by the action of ultraviolet irradiation and has been found to have various extraskeletal and immunomodulatory actions.
Role of vitamin D in prevention of RA A recent clinical trial reported that vitamin D plays an important role in preventing RA. The study included around 30,000 women between the ages of 55-69 years without any history of RA. After 11 years of follow-up with the women, including checking vitamin D levels, 152 cases of RA were reported. The…
