Synopsis

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

Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) has a traditional basis for use in supporting or treating tuberculosis (TB), primarily stemming from historical practices rather than robust modern scientific validation. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, before the advent of antibiotics, sunlight exposure and cod liver oil (rich in vitamin D) were commonly recommended to tuberculosis patients. This was because vitamin D was observed to play a role in immune function, and sunlight was thought to help patients recover. Sanatoriums often emphasized sunbathing and outdoor activities as part of therapy. Some historical accounts suggest that vitamin D supplementation, including forms like D2, was used as an adjunct to support general health and immunity in TB patients.

Modern scientific evidence does indicate that vitamin D can modulate immune responses and may enhance the body's ability to fight Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB. However, the bulk of current research focuses on vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) rather than D2. Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses provide only limited and inconsistent evidence that vitamin D supplementation (D2 or D3) improves TB outcomes. Some studies report no significant benefit, while others indicate possible adjunctive effects, particularly in deficient individuals. Thus, while the historical use of vitamin D2 for TB is well documented, strong scientific validation, especially for D2 specifically, remains lacking.

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