Vitamin D Useful Against Tuberculosis

Health & Insurance----Vitamin D plays an important role in resistance to infection. Scientists say vitamin D can be a powerful weapon to fight tuberculosis (TB).


Researchers have studied how T cells can be highly effective against bacteria that cause tuberculosis. T-cells are white blood cells to fight infection. The results of these studies have been published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.


It is known that, people with low vitamin D levels are more susceptible to infection. It is well known that people with low immunity (immunocompromised), such as people with HIV, more susceptible to tuberculosis.


"Researchers have looked at the relationship between vitamin D and improved resistance to TB infection," said Robert Modlin, chief of dermatology at the University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine and colleagues.


"From these studies we found, one particular type of T-cell is one that is secreted by a protein called interferon gamma. Interferon gamma could activate white blood cells that are infected with TB bacteria to then kill the bacteria. The people who have low vitamin D levels in the blood, they can not afford to support these mechanisms and kill bacteria. So that vitamin D is necessary, "said Modlin.


In laboratory experiments, scientists use blood samples are deficient in vitamin D. Then activate the T cells to destroy TB bacteria.


"The results are useful for research into new therapies to prevent or assist in the treatment of tuberculosis. For example the use of vitamin D supplements to help treat tuberculosis. I think it can change the way we think about vitamin D supplements," said Modlin.


"I recommend that people suffering from tuberculosis can consult with a physician or physician specialist in internal medicine first. And maybe you should take measurements of vitamin D levels in advance to determine the dose of vitamin D that will be consumed. The next step is to initiate clinical trials to determine whether supplements vitamin D can increase the resistance to tuberculosis or other infections, "said Modlin.


Clinical research will be needed to support these findings. Therefore, when the results of clinical trials also showed the benefits of vitamin D in increasing resistance to various infections, especially tuberculosis. Maybe in the future of vitamin D can be used to help treat or supportive therapy for tuberculosis.