From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Autoimmune Conditions, Vitamin D
Why in the News?
Recent research conducted by scientists at McGill University has shed light on the critical role of vitamin D in maintaining thymus health and its implications for immune function.
About Autoimmune Conditions:
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What is Vitamin D?
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for the body’s ability to absorb calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, which are essential for bone health.
- It supports muscle movement, nerve function, and immune system responses. Due to its synthesis in the skin upon exposure to sunlight, it is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’.
- The body naturally produces Vitamin D when skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight.
- Sources of Vitamin D:
- Fish: Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are rich in Vitamin D.
- Cod liver oil: A concentrated source, providing 400–1,000 IU per teaspoon.
- Mushrooms: Varieties like portobello contain Vitamin D if exposed to UV light.
- Fortified Foods: Milk, yogurt, orange juice, and cereals often have added Vitamin D.
- Egg yolks: Contain a small amount of Vitamin D.
- Common forms include Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), especially useful in autumn and winter when sunlight exposure is limited.
Significance of Vitamin D
- Bone Health: Essential for calcium absorption, which strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis.
- Muscle and Nerve Function: Supports muscle contractions and nerve signaling between the brain and body.
- Immune System: Enhances immune defenses, helping to fight off infections by viruses and bacteria.
- Brain Health: May play a role in maintaining cognitive health, especially with aging.
- Inflammation and Pain: Helps regulate the body’s response to inflammation and pain.
- Blood Pressure: Linked to regulating blood pressure; deficiency is associated with hypertension.
Impacts of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Increases the risk of rickets in children (softening of bones) and osteoporosis in adults.
- Low levels of Vitamin D are linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
- Recent studies indicate that Vitamin D deficiency can accelerate thymus aging, leading to immune dysfunction and a higher risk of autoimmune diseases.
- Deficiency has been associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and chronic pain.
- Can include fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, and depression.
- In severe cases, deficiency may cause impaired bone growth and fracture susceptibility.
PYQ:[2011] Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity? (a) They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency. (b) They prevent excessive oxidation of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and help avoid unnecessary wastage of energy. (c) They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism. (d) They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process. |
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