If you're living with celiac disease, you've likely heard about the importance of managing your diet, but there's another factor you might not have considered: Vitamin D! This powerhouse nutrient plays a crucial role in our overall health and immune system, and for those with celiac disease, its impact is even more significant.

Vitamin D is essential for regulating our immune system. It helps keep the balance between our body’s natural defenses and prevents the immune system from going into overdrive, which is precisely what happens in autoimmune reactions and conditions like celiac disease. In celiac disease, your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your small intestine, and this is where Vitamin D steps in.

Recent research shows that people living in northern regions e.g Finland, where sunlight (our primary source of Vitamin D) is scarce, have higher rates of celiac disease. Vitamin D is produced in the skin through exposure to UVB rays from the sun. In areas with less sunlight, especially in winter, our bodies make less Vitamin D. This deficiency may contribute to the development of celiac disease, particularly in those with a genetic predisposition.

In addition, the timing of gluten introduction also matters. Studies suggest that for example, children born in the summer, who start eating gluten in the winter, are at a higher risk of Vitamin D deficiency—and consequently, celiac disease—than those born in colder months. This could be because these children get less sun exposure when they first start eating gluten, potentially triggering an immune response that leads to celiac disease.

For those already diagnosed with celiac disease, Vitamin D deficiency can be a major concern. Malabsorption, a common issue in celiac patients, means that even if they’re getting enough Vitamin D from their diet or the sun, their body might not be absorbing it properly. This can lead to a host of issues, including weakened bones, reduced bone density, and an increased risk of fractures, all of which are very common among celiac patients. Studies have also shown that children with celiac disease tend to have significantly lower levels of Vitamin D compared to their healthy peers.

What does this mean for our community? If you have celiac disease, it's important to be aware of your Vitamin D levels. Make sure you're getting enough of this vital nutrient, whether through sunlight, diet, or supplements. Not only will it help support your immune system, but it will also protect your bones and overall health. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting your Vitamin D levels checked regularly!

Source (The research paper, read more about this!) :

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mR6JAe9h8O0PjKr_zeoF5c5ftXS_JW_g/view?usp=sharing