Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Diabetic Retinopathy

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin D has been studied for its potential role in supporting or treating diabetic retinopathy, primarily due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Observational studies have shown that individuals with diabetic retinopathy often have lower serum levels of vitamin D compared to those without the condition. Epidemiological data suggest an association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk or severity of diabetic retinopathy. The proposed mechanisms include vitamin D’s ability to reduce inflammation, inhibit abnormal blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), and modulate glucose metabolism, all of which are relevant to the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.

However, while the association is well documented, direct interventional studies (randomized controlled trials) demonstrating that vitamin D supplementation prevents onset or progression of diabetic retinopathy are limited and results are mixed. Review articles and meta-analyses generally conclude that while there is a plausible biological rationale and some supportive observational data, high-quality clinical evidence is insufficient. Thus, vitamin D is not universally recommended as a primary treatment for diabetic retinopathy, though correcting deficiency is generally considered safe and potentially beneficial for overall health in diabetic patients.

In summary, while there is scientific interest and some supporting evidence for vitamin D’s role in diabetic retinopathy, the current strength of evidence is moderate at best (rated 2/5), and more robust clinical trials are needed to establish causality and therapeutic benefit.

More about vitamin D
More about Diabetic Retinopathy

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D

Acne
Allergies (food)
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Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
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Backache
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Body Building
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Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
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Cardiovascular Disease
Celiac Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
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Colds (with fever)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
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Congestive Heart Failure
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Convalescence
Convulsions
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Erectile Dysfunction
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Grave's Disease
Grief and Sadness
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (cluster)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Knees (weak)
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Lupus
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Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
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Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
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Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
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PMS (general)
PMS Type D
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Pneumonia
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Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
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