Low Levels of Vitamin D Are Seen With Increased Lupus Disease Activity

From our latest Research Update Newsletter:
Low levels of vitamin D are associated with autoimmune illnesses, especially lupus. Vitamin D is activated by a chemical reaction made possible by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet B rays. Since people with lupus may need to avoid sun exposure, this can increase the risk for vitamin D insufficiency. The researchers hoped to learn about the relationship between levels of vitamin D in the blood and lupus disease activity.

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Read the Latest in Lupus Research: Low Level of Vitamin D Does Not Necessarily Result in Bone Disease in People With Lupus

People with lupus are advised to avoid the sun because the ultraviolet rays can trigger rashes. Some patients experience more widespread flares after sun exposure. However, sun avoidance leads to low levels of vitamin D in the body. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with thinning of the bones, or "osteoporosis." The researchers wanted to know about possible relationships between vitamin D levels in the blood, lupus treatments, and bone mineral density (BMD), a measurement of how thick bones are. The results of this study showed that people with lupus who are treated with steroids are at increased risk of having low levels of vitamin D. Although reduced levels of vitamin D are known to be directly linked to osteoporosis, this study did not show that connection.

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