Introduction 

Vitamin D is one of the most well-known vitamins due to its source, the sun. While its role in the musculoskeletal system is well established, its impact on the immune system is somewhat less known. In recent years, however, there has been a surge in scientific studies exploring its connections with certain diseases and its role in combating infections.

Effects of Vitamin D

In both medical and lay contexts, vitamin D is primarily recognized for its benefits in bone and muscle metabolism. However, it also has a significant impact on various diseases. These include autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, cancers, infections like COVID-19 and tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, as well as overweight and obesity.  

Indeed, having sufficient levels of vitamin D in the body strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and multiple sclerosis. In hypertensive individuals, it lowers blood pressure and reduces fat tissue in overweight and obese adults.  

Vitamin D helps prevent acute infections, particularly respiratory ones. This was acknowledged as early as the 19th century when “sun cures” were associated with better outcomes for tuberculosis. Vitamin D also has links with chronic infections such as HIV/AIDS.

Vitamin D and Chronic Infections: The Case of HIV

HIV-positive patients have lower bone density than what is typical for their age, increasing the risk of fractures. Vitamin D deficiency in this patient group also increases the risk of tuberculosis and, in the long term, coronary diseases and hypertension. In patients with HIV and hepatitis C, the risk of severe complications is higher.  

Thus, vitamin D represents a factor in combating the progression of the disease to more severe stages and in improving prognosis related to mother-to-child transmission.

The Need for Vitamin D Supplementation

Vitamin D has two main sources: dietary, where it is found primarily in cod liver oil, fatty fish, egg yolks, and veal liver; and cutaneous, where it is synthesized following sun exposure. The latter constitutes the majority of the body’s intake. Given the importance of this vitamin, supplementation is sometimes justified for certain groups of people, particularly those living at high altitudes, those not exposed to sufficient sunlight, or those at risk of deficiency, such as individuals with HIV.

Conclusion

Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Its role is crucial in preventing the onset of certain diseases and in improving prognosis. Although it is synthesized from sunlight and seems easily accessible, deficiencies can still occur, making supplementation necessary in some cases.  

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