Vitamin D in the Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases

Keywords:
INFECTIOUS DISEASES - Vitamin D

Reference:
"Vitamin D for Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials," Yamshchikov AV, Desai NS, et all, Endocr Pract, 2009; 1-29; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA 30303).

Summary:
In a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials evaluating the effects of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, the authors conclude, "More rigorously designed clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and the immune response to infection, and to delineate necessary changes in clinical practice and medical care of patients with vitamin D deficiency in infectious disease settings." The reviewers identified 13 trials that met the study inclusion criteria, out of which 10 were placebo-controlled, and 9 were double-blinded. Results of the studies suggest that vitamin D therapy shows great potential as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of tuberculosis, influenza, and viral upper respiratory illnesses. Adverse events due to vitamin D supplementation were rare. These results suggest that further research investigating the role of vitamin D in the treatment and prevention of infectio us diseases is warranted.

Provided by:
C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Energy Medicine
President Emeritus
Holos University Graduate Seminary
www.holosuniversity.org
www.normshealy.com
www.medicalrenaissance.net