Vitamin D has important role in promoting healthy immune system

Older people who are deficient in vitamin D tend to have compromised immune function, says research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

While the association between vitamin D and bone health is well known, until now little research has looked at its impact on the immune system.

So scientists looked at 957 Irish adults who were older than 60 years and measured their vitamin D levels and inflammation markers (linked to rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease).

They found that those with low levels of vitamin D were more likely to have high levels of inflammation biomarkers.

“The results indicate immune function may be compromised in older individuals with vitamin D deficiency,” says Dr Mary Ward who led the work. “Ensuring older individuals have optimal vitamin D levels may be a way to boost immune function in this population, but this needs to be confirmed through additional studies.”

The skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight; dietary sources include oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, eggs and fortified cereals.