Does Vitamin D Play a Role in Celiac Disease Onset?

Celiac.com 07/06/2020 - Although researchers are just beginning to learn about the role of vitamin D on the immune system and on infection, recent studies point to vitamin D as an immune system regulator and signaling component. Over 900 genes are reportedly regulated by vitamin D. Researchers are investigating numerous potential influences of Vitamin D on chronic diseases such as diabetes, celiac disease and cardiovascular, neurological, and autoimmune diseases.

A team of researchers recently set out to define the possible role of vitamin D in celiac disease development, taking into account potential links among vitamin D, the immune system and celiac disease. The research team included Giorgia Vici, Dalia Camilletti, and Valeria Polzonetti. They are variously affiliated with the School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino in Camerino, Italy.

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Beside supporting and protecting the skeletal system by assisting in calcium production, researchers have described additional potential roles for vitamin D. Studies have shown that vitamin D may be a key player in inflammation and immunity, and in controlling the intestinal mucosa barrier. Researchers suspect that vitamin D influences numerous conditions, such as immune-mediated diseases, and due to its involvement in immune modulation it could be a major factor in the onset of celiac disease. 

Celiac disease is a chronic auto-immune condition that often results in damage to the small intestine when those with it consume gluten proteins. Researchers have begun to understand that other factors also play a role in the development of celiac disease, and recent vitamin D research has shown that tissues and cells that have nothing to do with mineral and bone metabolism present a vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-activating enzymes. 

Researchers have noted that the VDR expresses itself as antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes, which indicates that vitamin D is a key modulator of immune and inflammation mechanisms, and suggests that VDR gene polymorphisms function as markers of either resistance or susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. 

For these reasons, the researchers call for clarifying the role of vitamin D in the onset of celiac disease. They are calling for international studies to assess the variables that can influence celiac onset, such as vitamin D levels of pregnant women, vitamin D supplementation and/or UV exposure. 

Better understanding of the role played by vitamin D in celiac disease could lead the way to new strategies for preventing celiac disease. Stay tuned for more on the role of vitamin D in celiac disease onset, treatment, and prevention.

Read more in Nutrients. 2020 Apr; 12(4): 1051.doi: 10.3390/nu12041051