Key points from article :
Taking vitamin D and fish oil supplements may reduce the incidence of autoimmune disease.
A study group enrolled 25,871 participants aged 55 years or older in their Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL).
Participants received daily either 2,000 IU of vitamin D and a 1-g fish oil capsule — both supplements — or placebos.
Risk of autoimmune disease was decreased by 22% with vitamin D and 15% with omega-3 fatty acids.
Both supplements led to 30% lesser risk of developing an autoimmune condition.
“Activated vitamin D...regulates genes involved in innate and adaptive immune system,” - Karen Harte Costenbader, lead author.
“For fish oils, there are well-known anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving mechanisms.”
Consistent results across autoimmune diseases; longer adherence led to greater benefits.
People should seek medical advice before taking supplements.
Further trials in younger populations and high risk patients.
Study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School published in BMJ.
