Vitamin D: The Immunologic Role and its Effect on Human Pathophysiology

Abstract

There are several reasons why understanding the role of vitamin D in the immune system is worthy of widespread attention. Our knowledge of the immune system is crucial for understanding human health and disease. New ideas for vitamin D and life style in the twenty-first century build directly on our understanding of immunology-from the development of new immune-based cancer drugs to advancing treatments for common diseases, such as autoimmunity and allergies. The scientists and physicians must be inspired to tackle the vast array of unmet immunological needs and the application of old theories-the effectiveness of vaccines, for example-can benefit largely from our understanding of Vitamin D and its role in immunology. The role of immune system is to seek out and destroy dangerous bacteria, viruses, fungi and uncontrolled tumor (cancer) growth. Its activities connect with other body systems and influences, our metabolism and hormone levels and controls how well we feel. Nutrition and our mental health are all connected to our ability to fight infections and abnormal cell growth. In this article we will mainly focus on Vitamin D and its immunological effects on pulmonary disease, tuberculosis and cancer.