Vitamin D Shortage At The Beginning Of Life Can Increase The Risk Of Autoimmune Disease

JAKARTA - The latest research from status University in Montreal, Canada, revealed the relationship between vitamin D deficiency in the early stages of life and an increased risk of autoimmune disease.

The results of the study published in the journal Science Advances highlight the role of the timus glands during childhood in training immune cells in order to be able to distinguish between the body's own tissue and dangerous pathogens.

Lack of vitamin D intake during this developmental phase had a negative impact on timus, accelerating its aging process. This was revealed by John White, a professor and head of the Department of Physiology atTENance.

"Timus who experience premature aging makes the immune system less effective and more vulnerable to leaks," he said as quoted by Antara.

Furthermore, Professor White explained that this condition could cause the immune system to fail to screen the mistargeted cells, so that the cells actually attack the body's own tissue. As a result, the risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes has also increased.

This study reinforces the benefits of vitamin D, which is not only important for calcium absorption in order to maintain bone strength, but also plays a significant role in maintaining the balance and regulation of the immune system.

"These findings clarify the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and increased autoimmune risk, and open up opportunities for better development of prevention strategies," White added.

This study was conducted using mice who were unable to produce vitamin D, to understand how these deficiencies affected the Timus and the immune system through cellular analysis and gene sequencing.

According to White, although this research involves mice, the results are relevant to humans because the function of timus in both is similar. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that children get adequate intake of vitamin D from an early age.

"Parents need to consult with medical personnel to ensure that their children's vitamin D needs are met," he suggested.

This study reinforces previous findings, such as a 2001 study in Finland involving more than 10,000 children. The results show that children who have received vitamin D supplements since childhood have a five times lower risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Going forward, White hopes to continue the research by focusing on how vitamin D affects human lead, an aspect that has so far never been studied more deeply.