Vitamin D May Ward Off Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a serious disease of the respiratory system. A study of by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine published study results from researchers from Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Imperial College. BBC News reported the findings on news.bbc.co.uk.

The study was to evaluate the effect of Vitamin D and the body's immunity to mycobacteria, which is the family of bacteria that causes TB. During the study blood was taken from 131 participants and infected with mycobacteria. The study group was divided into two groups. One group was given a dummy pill and the second groups was given a 2.5 mg dose of Vitamin D..

After six weeks of supplementation, blood samples were again taken from the study participants. The second samples of blood were infected with the mycobacteria. The samples were analyzed after 24 hours.

The growth of the samples taken from the people who had taken Vitamin was 20% less than the group that took placebos.

These findings indicate that Vitamin D has the potential to help ward off the respiratory disease.

Vitamin D used to be given to TB patients in sanatoriums, before antibiotics came into use.

Researchers said that clinical trials would now be needed to fully prove the findings.

Tuberculosis (TB) rose by 3% last year, to over 8,000 new cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. London accounted for nearly half of the cases of TB. The large migrant population was identified as the primary source. TB is a major global problem.

According to Medline Plus (nlm.gov), Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can also damage other parts of the body. TB is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. People who have a weak immune system are more susceptible to the disease.

Symptoms of the respiratory infection include: a bad cough (3 weeks or longer), weight loss, coughing up blood or mucus, weakness, fatigue, fever, chills, night sweats.

If TB is no treated property, it can be deadly. TB can be treated by taking several medicines for a long period of time. The TB germ can be latent in the system.

According to lead researcher Dr. Adrian Martineau, "This shows that a simple, cheap supplement could make a significant impact on the health of people most at risk from the disease."

Vitamin D has also been linked to reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes and also strengthens the bones.

Known as "The Sunshine Vitamin" sunshine absorbed through the skin causes the body to manufacture Vitamin D. The The vitamin is added to drinks, such as mild and Orange juice. Vitamin D can also be taken in supplement form. The vitamin works along with Calcium to strengthen the bones and prevent fractures.

Vitamin D is found in dietary sources, such as fish, eggs, fortified mile and cod liver oil. Ten minutes of sun exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies. There are varying dosages of the vitamin recommended, depending upon individual needs. The upper limit for Vitamin D is 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) for adults. Based upon the new research and the benefits of the vitamin, many doctors are recommending 1,000 mg daily.

Information is not intended to substitute for medical advice. If you have a medical condition, consult a doctor.