Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation reduce autoimmune disease risk: Study

The results of the 5.3-year VITAL trial published in the journal of Arthritis & Rheumatology unveiled the potential of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in combating autoimmune diseases (AD).

The latest findings from the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) have highlighted significant insights of the role of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids in preventing autoimmune diseases. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted over 5.3 years and showed compelling evidence of the efficacy of these supplements in reducing AD incidence.

The study reported that vitamin D supplementation showed a notable reduction in autoimmune disease incidence, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.78. Despite the omega-3 fatty acid supplementation showing a statistically nonsignificant reduction, it also hinted at potential benefits with a HR of 0.85.

To further validate these findings and assess sustained effects, the team led by Karen Costenbader continued to monitor participants for two years post-intervention. The initial cohort comprised over 25,000 participants, of which 21,592 were observed during this extended period.

During the follow-up, a total of 514 participants developed confirmed autoimmune diseases that reaffirms the significance of the study. Also, while the protective effects of 2000 IU/day of vitamin D seemed to dissipate after two years, the impact of 1000 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acids was observed sustained.

These findings mark a significant milestone in autoimmune disease research that offers valuable insights into preventive measures and treatment avenues. The comprehensive approach of the study combined long-term observation and rigorous analysis that aided in underscoring the importance of continued investigation into the potential benefits of vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation.

This study underscores the potential of omega-3 fatty acids as a sustainable intervention for reducing autoimmune disease incidence. While further research is imperative, these results offer hope for the individuals at risk of developing autoimmune conditions.

Reference:

Costenbader, K. H., Cook, N. R., Lee, I., Hahn, J., Walter, J., Bubes, V., Kotler, G., Yang, N., Friedman, S., Alexander, E. K., & Manson, J. E. (2024). Vitamin D and Marine n‐3 Fatty Acids for Autoimmune Disease Prevention: Outcomes Two Years After Completion of a Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial. In Arthritis & Rheumatology. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.42811