A single dose of vitamin D may prevent tuberculosis
Vitamin D was used to treat tuberculosis in the pre-antibiotic era. Prospective studies to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on antimycobacterial immunity have not previously been performed. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in 192 healthy adult tuberculosis contacts in London, UK. Participants were randomized to receive a single oral dose of 2.5 mg vitamin D or placebo and followed up at 6 weeks. A single oral dose of 2.5 mg vitamin D significantly enhanced the ability of participants’ blood to restrict the growth of recombinant reporter mycobacteria in vitro without affecting antigen-stimulated interferon-gamma responses. Clinical trials should be performed to determine whether vitamin D supplementation prevents reactivation of latent tuberculosis infection.
A Single Dose of Vitamin D Enhances Immunity to Mycobacteria.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2007
