**Draft WIP / Work in progress Part 3 of 4**
**Undergoing writing & readibility amends December 2023**
**August 2024 – added a section on Vitamin D role on Psoriasis**
In this third section reserves a separate discussion Auto Immunity condition specific to This Author’s (AW) concern (Ankylosing Spondlyitis).
Live-it-forward,
AW.
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Vitamin D and Calcium intake relations to Ankylosing Spondylitis and autoimmunity.
Preface & Context
The first beginning preface here begins as a brief summary of This Author’s (AW) context and condition; mainly surrounding his partial diagnosis of a possible autoimmune condition known as Ankylosing Spondylitis.
“Ankylosing Spondylitis” or AS for short ¬ is recognised as an “rheumatoid” and/or “osteoarthritis” related group of skeletal and physiological declines resembling disc degeneration disorders. There appears to be a growing call for concern that such condition may yet indeed be relative to that as autoimmune related (Arabi S et al. 2019).
Typical symptoms manifest as high levels of pain on lower regions of the lumbar spine, particularly upon rising during mornings but does not resolve for many hours until at least some fitness or exercise routines is surpassed. Ankylosing Spondylitis first and foremost is characterised by unexpected bone growth in areas or in extents where such growth causes bone infusion; thereby inciting risk of nerve impingement. This is accompanied by markedly high C-RP readings or C-reactive proteins, although not all patients affected exhibit this.
Affecting mostly male adults, AS is often diagnosed firstly as serum presence of “HLA-B27″ ~ a white blood cell antigen specifically grouped under “Human Leukocite Antigens”. However, reliance on this genetic testing alone remains widely contested as both severity and final diagnosis of AS appears to be defenite only within 10% of all who tested positive. This Author (AW)’s own initial diagnosis in 2014 indeed confirmed positive for HLA-B27, despite reassurance that this only implied a 10% certainty for defenite illness.
“The association of HLA-B27 with AS is well established and occurs in 85–90% of patients. HLA-B27 is seen in 5–15% of the general population, with some variability associated with ethnic background, but only 5% of HLA-B27 positive people develop AS. As such, HLA-B27 in the patient with clinical features of SpA can support the diagnosis but has no role as a general screening test for spinal pain.” ~ RACGP.org.au
However, the many years that followed after initial diagnosis manifest an intermittent though thankfully infrequent inflammation flare(s) along the lumbar disc region L4/5/s1. The immobility and pain experience(s) throughout each of episodic flare strongly resemble the above typical diagnosis for AS.
Whilst symptomatically manageable, it is the degree of unknown(s) for recurrences that are yet to be reconciled or understood; as is typical of many autoimmunity conditions. Thus the very rationale behind why this section was written and prepared for readers whom are affected and thereby keenly interested at pursuing further research on the possible etiology.
General view of Vitamin D & Auto Immunity
Vitamin D and Calcium has been raised noteworthy by many literatures to date (De Martinis M. 2021) & (Athanassiou IK et al 2019) for auto immune related conditions. The following cliff notes represents a summary of insights based on research reviews and meta-analysis gathered. As follows:
- (Diao M et al 2022) ~ According to this meta-analysis there appears to be no significant correlation between active 1,25 OHD with severity of AS compared to healtthy controls. But suggests nonetheless that the inactive / plasma 25OHD correlates with a protective effect. This is despite AS patients seem to have lower 1,25 OHD readings; but they too are usually accompanied with higher C-reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate.
- (Guoqi C. et al. 2014) ~ There appears to be protective effect of plasma reading of Vitamin D 25OHD against severity of AS.
- [Talotta R et al. 2020) ~ there appears to be mechanistic appraisal of Vitamin D and Calcium on subjects with AS.
The above are only cliff summary findings and certainly does not and should not substitute full top-to-bottom obligatory reading.
In addition to the above there appears to be very few suggestive objective recommendation or hypothetical dosage protocol of 25OHD or any Vitamin D substrate is deemed beneficial. Except one (1) research (Charoenngam N, 2021) suggests a plasma reading up to 150 NMOL ~ appears to be the limit of what is deemed “maximal” benefit; as quoted from the abstract:
“Although the optimal level of serum 25(OH)D is still debatable, it is advisable it is advisable that patients with rheumatic diseases should maintain a serum 25(OH)D level of at least 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) to prevent osteomalacia, secondary osteoporosis, and fracture, and possibly 40-60 ng/mL (100-150 nmol/L) to achieve maximal benefit from vitamin D for immune health and overall health.” ~ Charoenngam N. 2021.
Vitamin D and Psoriasis (August 2024)
This Author (AW) once experienced a dermatitis outbreak in 2004 as rash-like symptoms all over the body, accompanied with fever and chills. These confusingly led to cascading suspicions. Firstly as shingles, eczema and to then finally – psoriasis. Thankfully, several bottles of Calamine lotion were all that’s required at resolving both the itchy rash and inflammation, to total relief by about second or third week. Counting many years that has passed to this day however, despite no similar outbreaks ~ a small patch of psoriasis still remain on the right under arm. This apparently, is the “inverse” variant of psoriasis affecting mainly among skinfold areas, eg. under arms, or back of knees.
For brief context, psoriasis is widely thought to be provoked by an over-reactive immune system. Skin proliferation and turn over-rate occurs at a faster than normal rate; in a matter of days versus at least three to four weeks; leading to old skin cells unable to degrade away fully, but instead merges with new skin cells and thereby resulting in a dryer and “scaly” manifest. What provoked this however, is likely a complex interplay of “trigger factors” between the intrinsic ~ the dysregulation of immune system, chiefly the T-cells mounting unexpected inflammatory responses, and the extrinsic ~ the environment, weather, seasons, general stress, and cumulative exposures to toxins and in some cases ~ intake of certain prescription drugs ~ lithium, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, to name a few.
Current literatures on Vitamin D appears relatively in favor of (higher) Vitamin D status and/or supplementation. A research review on trials on various doses (some that are interestingly very low ~ 2 micrograms per day translating to just 80 IU) ~ appears successful at treating even the more aggressive. Do note that the majority of these studies – especially those on the very low dosage span throughout very long time frames from several months to four years.
The mechanism of Vitamin D on psoriasis appears to be suggested by its immune regulating properties on both innate and the adaptive immune systems. Specifically, Vitamin D3’s role on upregulating the anti-inflammatory, while downregulating the inflammatory cytokines ~ is thought of as the most influential at mitigating the pathogenesis of Psoriasis. Consequently, this may explain the wide recommendation of topical Vitamin D amidst therapeutic course of action amongst psoriatic patients.
Nevertheless, perhaps noteworthy for those interested in kidney health ~ Calcitriol supplementation (most active form of Vitamin D or the 1,25OHD) whilst seemingly efffective at improving psoriasis – appears to also reduce creatinine clearance. For a little context ~ reduced creatinine clearance appears to be a surrogate marker of a reduced GFR rate which indicating possible decline of kidney function.
This Author’s own experience (Vitamin D depletion & repletion)
In May 2020, upon a much delayed blood panel test This Author (AW) witnessed a markedly high 25(OHD) readings at 179 nmol/L ~ despite normal readings in both Calcium (corrected), PTH, and C-reactive protein markers. However for a three week period ~ he decided to trial abstaining all Vitamin D supplementation and interestingly noted a markedly reduced QOL / surrogate quality of life markers ~ from digestion, overall psychology, outlook and resilience. From what was 179 NMOL came down to 132 NMOL in a matter of three weeks.
Upon restoring maintenance Vitamin D supplementation of at averaging 5K IU daily (during summers / warmer seasons) to 15K IU intermittently during winters ~ brought him back the homeostatic “defaults” of overall surrogate QOL markers.
In regards to managing his Psoriasis, it is currently unknown, as of writing this update (August 2024) whether very high or very low intakes of Vitamin D being supportive. However in relation to the next / concurrent Self Meta (Vitamin A) ~ whilst by in no way conclusive – higher than usual intakes of Vitamin A appears to have been correlated with more itching and thereby slightly worsening state of Psoriasis condition. This however, is unfinalised as there are confounding factors that This Author (AW) believes to be relative – one (1) being suspected so far is Zinc intake which interestingly have been reknowned amidst scientific literatures recently as likely supportive at mitigating Psoriasis (for preliminary further reading, please consider these citations ~ (1), (2) and (3)).
Calcium intakes and AS severity.
As brief preface ~ Calcium, next to Phosphate remains in general consensus essential for bone integrity, strength, density, muscle contraction, nerve transmission / conduction, enzymatic reactions including that of insulin release, and homeostatic cell proliferation, division and programmed apoptosis. So far there are three types of calcium bound within human physiology (note: not exogenous / supplemental form) has been identified (teachmephysiology.com) at least within the serum level ~
- Free-ionised
- Anion-bound
- Protein-bound
Two (2) factor(s) taught to be essential behind these tight regulation is Vitamin D and PTH (Parathyroid hormone).
Dietary calcium associations or correlation research to AS or rhteumatoid / arthritic groups of autoimmunity remains interestingly mixed given the diverse essence of calcium to both enzyematic and endocrinological roles beyond than bone mineralisation. There nonetheless appears to be a few, though limited evidences ~ at questioning whether high calcium, be it dietary or supplemental may warrant caution for those with AS.
“In this systematic review, we have determined, from a relatively small number of studies, that the evidence on the relationship between diet and AS is extremely limited and we have highlighted important methodological weaknesses in the studies reviewed.” Macfarlanne, TV et al. 2017
“Calcium supplements may be disadvantageous for entheseal calcifications, but so far there are no clear data confirming that such an association exists.” ~ Talotta, R. 2020
What can we learn from here?
In light of the above view, it remains strongly suggestive that BOTH decline of Vitamin D or Calcium input status ~ seems very likely detrimental.
At best, on a general widespread view there seems to be more or less concur towards a favourable stance to Vitamin D supplementation. Upon which examining these further suggests there are healthful markers which may warrant contemplative further research:
- First and foremost ~ is the need to maintain the key inflammatory CRP or C reactive protein.
- Next, whilst there appear to be equivocal / mixed stances when it comes to parathyroid hormone PTH to severity of AS ~ it nevertheless appear to be pragmatic to manage this at a lower rate as PTH is generally associated an inflammatory contributing risk to various mortality.
<WIP>
This concludes the third of the fourth ongoing work in progress of this Self Meta. Please meanwhile proceed into reading the public open/transparent draft on the fourth and final part where This Author (AW) shall disclose overall pragmatism and N=1 course of actions.
<personal message> May I hope you find the above and this entire concept initative ~ both lateral and broad in its branching interest. Please forward any comments and or thoughts surrounding this work in progress, not for profit, and entirely self-initiated academia interest to demonstrate scientific self-enquiring. Thank you. Live-it-forward, AW.