Lupus patients show more severe symptoms if they are vitamin D deficient, an Australian study reports.

The study led by Professor Eric Morand, head of the Monash Lupus Clinic and Southern Clinical School at Monash Medical Centre reports that systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is worse in patients with vitamin D deficiency than in SLE patients without deficiency.

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder which causes fatigue, chest pain, trouble breathing, hair loss, skin rashes, and sun-intolerance.

Professor Morand states, “Although it’s too soon to draw conclusions about the long-term safety and effectiveness of vitamin D supplements in lupus, a clinical trial is the next step proving that supplementing vitamin D makes lupus better.”

The findings of this study will be presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian Rheumatology Association in Canberra from 11 to 15 May, coinciding with the observance of World Lupus Day on 10 May.

The Vitamin D Council has covered research on vitamin D and SLE in the past, to read more on the subject, visit: Open study shows positive clinical results for patients with SLE

Source

Lack of vitamin D worsens lupus. Science Alert. May 8, 2012.