Insights & Discussion
Vitamin D and Omega 3 fatty acids supplementation appears to reduce the risk of autoimmune diseases.
In this nationwide, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 25,871 male and female participants over the ages of 50 and 55 respectively, were given either Vitamin D (2000 IU/day), Omega 3 fatty acids (1000 mg/day), both, or a placebo. Over the median follow-up period of 5.3 years, participants self-reported cases of autoimmune diseases, and these were verified by thorough medical record review.
In the discussion of results, it was found that Vitamin D supplementation, regardless of the presence of Omega 3, seemed to reduce the occurrence of autoimmune diseases by 22%. Meanwhile, Omega 3 supplementation alone didn't show a statistically significant reduction in autoimmune diseases, but it did show a larger effect in reducing autoimmune diseases than the reference arm (that received placebo for both Vitamin D and Omega 3).
Discover Related Insights
Serotonin function, influenced by vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, plays a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders and certain behavioral functions.
2015 The FASEB Journal Vitamin D and the omega‐3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior Patrick RP, Ames BN
Review Article ADHD Bipolar Disorder Impulsive Behaviour
The paper synthesizes prior research into serotonin's role in managing various brain functions and behaviours, and how its dysfunction is commonly seen in conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. The researchers then put forward potential mechanisms showing the influence of vitamin D and the marine omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, on serotonin synthesis, release, and function in the brain. Serotonin in the brain is synthesized from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, a process that is activated by a vitamin D hormone.
Possible mechanisms proposed include eicosapentaenoic acid increasing serotonin release from presynaptic neurons by lowering E2 series prostaglandins, and docosahexaenoic acid affecting serotonin receptor action by increasing cell membrane fluidity in postsynaptic neurons. The study posits that suboptimal levels of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, in combination with genetic factors at key developmental stages, could lead to dysfunctional serotonin activation and function – a possible underlying mechanism behind neuropsychiatric disorders and depression. The paper suggests that optimizing vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid intake could potentially curtail and modulate the severity of brain dysfunction.