Vitamin D in childhood prevents type 1 diabetes
Vitamin D in childhood prevents type 1 diabetes, new research suggests.
The sunshine supplement lowers susceptible individuals’ risk by strengthening their immune system, a study found.
Lead author Dr Jill Norris, said: ‘For several years there has been controversy among scientists about whether vitamin D lowers the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.’
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that occurs when a person’s immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin according to Daily mail.
The condition is increasing by three-to-five percent annually, particularly among children.
It is on the rise too quickly to be the fault of genetics, with experts therefore blaming everything from gluten, a growing obsession with cleanliness and obesity for the disorder’s surging numbers.
How the research was carried out
The researchers analyzed 8,676 children with an elevated type 1 diabetes risk.
High-diabetes risk was determined by the presence of at least one type 1 diabetes antibody precursor on at least two visits.
The children were followed from infancy, with blood samples being collected every three to six months.
Blood samples were taken to assess antibodies that appear when the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas that produce insulin as a precursor to type 1 diabetes, as well as to determine the study’s participant’s vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D prevents type 1 diabetes’ onset
Results reveal susceptible children with low vitamin D levels are more likely to produce antibodies that precurse them to type 1 diabetes.
Vitamin D is thought to prevent type 1 diabetes’ onset by regulating the immune system.
It does this by priming certain cells to more effectively fight infection.
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition that occurs when the body attacks cells that produce insulin.
Dr Norris said: ‘For several years there has been controversy among scientists about whether vitamin D lowers the risk of developing of islet autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes.’
N.H.Kh