Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Vitamin D has a historical and scientific association with the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). The use of sunlight, which stimulates vitamin D production in the skin, was a mainstay of historical sanatorium treatment for TB before the advent of antibiotics. This traditional use was based on the observation that patients exposed to sunlight often experienced better outcomes, though the mechanism was not understood at the time.

Scientifically, vitamin D is now recognized to play a role in immune function, specifically in activating macrophages that can kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB. Several in vitro and observational studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency may increase susceptibility to TB. Some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated vitamin D supplementation as an adjunct to standard TB therapy. Results are mixed: some show improved immune responses or faster sputum conversion, while others show no significant benefit on clinical outcomes. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while vitamin D supplementation may improve some immunological markers, evidence for a significant clinical benefit in TB treatment is limited and inconsistent.

Overall, vitamin D is not a primary treatment for TB, but there is moderate scientific support for its adjunctive use, especially in populations with deficiency. Ongoing research continues to clarify its potential role in TB management.

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