TREATMENT DATABASE

Vitamin D is a unique vitamin in that the body can synthesize it when exposed to sunlight. There are two forms of vitamin D, ergocalciferol (D2) and cholecalciferol (D3). The difference between the two forms is that D2 is derived from ergosterol (a chemical compound produced by phytoplankton, invertebrates, and fungi) while D3 is produced by ultraviolet light irradiation.

Vitamin D has important functions in bone maintenance and immune system function. Physicians have known for decades that cod liver oil is an effective treatment for rickets, a childhood condition in which bones and teeth become soft. Ultimately, it was discovered that rickets was caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. As a consequence, vitamin D is added to all milk. Aside from rickets, deficiencies in vitamin D have been linked to gingivitis, inflammatory bowel disease, depression, fatigue, and heart disease. Vitamin D is also recommended for women at risk for osteoporosis.

Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune system. One of its most important functions is to activate T cells, in particular the T cells that identify and attack invading pathogens. Without vitamin D, T cells remain dormant or “naive.”

USES IN ME/CFS. In a 2009 study, Berkovitz et al found that vitamin D levels were moderately to severely low in ME/CFS patients as compared to the general population. The researchers recommended vitamin D supplementation. A group of pediatric researchers at the Mayo Clinic also discovered that adolescents with ME/CFS and orthostatic intolerance (OI) had low levels of both ferritin (a protein that stores and releases iron) and vitamin D.

Treatment rating for Vitamin D