EC Microbiology

Introduction: Vitamin D is responsible for maintaining the metabolism of calcium and phosphate and preserving a healthy, mineralized skeleton. Also known as an immunomodulatory hormone. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D, has been demonstrated in experimental experiments to exhibit immunologic effects on a number of innate and adaptive immune system components as well as endothelial membrane integrity. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of acquiring a number of immune-related conditions and diseases, including psoriasis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, TB, sepsis, respiratory infection, and COVID-19. As a result, a number of clinical trials with varying results have been carried out to ascertain the effectiveness of administering vitamin D and its metabolites for the treatment of these diseases. Recent research reveals that certain people may benefit from vitamin D supplementation more or less than others. Vitamin D administration has been shown to significantly alter broad gene expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Although the ideal level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is still up for debate, it is advised to increase vitamin D intake and get enough sunlight exposure to keep serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at least at 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L), and ideally at 40 - 60 ng/mL (100 - 150 nmol/L), in order to reap the most benefits for your overall health.

Aim of the Study: The aim of the present review is to understand various disorders related to Vitamin D deficiency.

Methodology: Comprehensive research of the various disorders related to Vitamin D deficiency. PUBMED engine was the database used for the search process, and articles were collected from 2011 to 2022. The term used in the search were: Vitamin D, immune diseases, depression, infection.

Conclusion: Unquestionably, vitamin D is crucial for maintaining the metabolism of calcium, phosphate, and bone. Once a 1,25(OH)₂D is created, it modulates the innate and adaptive immune systems in an autocrine and paracrine manner. Additionally, there is some proof that vitamin D may modify immune activity in a non-genomic way by maintaining endothelium membranes. The majority of the available research points to the necessity of maintaining a healthy vitamin D status for controlling the body's immune system. Many immune-related diseases, including autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases, are linked to low serum levels of 25(OH)D. With a few exceptions noted in this study, there is less compelling evidence that vitamin D is a useful therapeutic option for autoimmune illnesses and infectious diseases. Based on inconsistent results from clinical trials, it is still debatable whether vitamin D therapy is beneficial as an additional immunomodulatory drug for treating the majority of illnesses.

Keywords: Vitamin D; Immune Diseases; Depression; Infection

1. Nair R and Maseeh A. “Vitamin D: The "sunshine" vitamin”. Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics2 (2012): 118-126.
2. Prietl B., et al. “Vitamin D and immune function”. Nutrients7 (2013): 2502-2521.
3. Sizar Omeed. "Vitamin D deficiency”. Stat Pearls. Stat Pearls Publishing (2022).
4. Charoenngam N and Holick MF. “Immunologic effects of vitamin D on human health and disease”. Nutrients 7 (2020): 2097.
5. Webb AR., et al. “Influence of season and latitude on the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3: exposure to winter sunlight in Boston and Edmonton will not promote vitamin D3 synthesis in human skin”. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 2 (1988): 373-378.
6. Chen YL., et al. “Climates on incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes mellitus in 72 countries”. Scientific Reports 1 (2017): 1-17.
7. Mathieu C. “Vitamin D and diabetes: where do we stand?” Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 2 (2015): 201-209.
8. Parisi R., et al. “Global epidemiology of psoriasis: a systematic review of incidence and prevalence”. Journal of Investigative Dermatology 2 (2013): 377-385.
9. Holick MF. “The Photobiology of Vitamin D and Its Consequences for Humans a”. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1 (1985): 1-13.
10. Ghasemi N., et al. “Multiple sclerosis: pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnoses and cell-based therapy”. Cell Journal 1 (2017): 1.
11. Ananthakrishnan AN., et al. “Higher predicted vitamin D status is associated with reduced risk of Crohn's disease”. Gastroenterology 3 (2012): 482-489.
12. Schultz M and Butt AG. “Is the north to south gradient in inflammatory bowel disease a global phenomenon?” Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 4 (2012): 445-447.
13. Kosmaczewska A., et al. “The role of Th1, Th17, and Treg cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis including anti-inflammatory action of Th1 cytokines”. Postepy Higieny i Medycyny Doswiadczalnej 65 (2011): 397-403.
14. Aibana O., et al. “Vitamin D status and risk of incident tuberculosis disease: a nested case-control study, systematic review, and individual-participant data meta-analysis”. PLoS Medicine 9 (2019): e1002907.
15. Kempker JA., et al. “Vitamin D and sepsis: An emerging relationship”. Dermato-Endocrinology 2 (2012): 101-108.
16. Sabetta JR., et al. “Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d and the incidence of acute viral respiratory tract infections in healthy adults”. PloS one 6 (2010): e11088.
17. Grant WB., et al. “Evidence that vitamin D supplementation could reduce risk of influenza and COVID-19 infections and deaths”. Nutrients 4 (2020): 988.
18. Menon V., et al. “Vitamin D and depression: a critical appraisal of the evidence and future directions”. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine 1 (2020): 11-21.