5/15/2025
Last update
5/15/2025
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.1
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8.6
Top Medical Research Studies
9
We investigated the role of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D, commonly known as vitamin D3, in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our study focused on how this vitamin influences macrophage activation, especially in patients with RA.
We found that vitamin D3 has a unique ability to suppress M1 macrophage polarization, a process that intensifies inflammation and is linked to RA symptoms. The treatment reduced levels of various inflammatory markers in macrophages, which are crucial players in our immune response.
In controlled experiments using THP-1 cells (a type of human immune cell), vitamin D3 enhanced the expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1). This interaction was significant because FBP1 helps manage the degradation of another protein called PKR, which is involved in the inflammatory response.
By interacting with FBP1 and PKR, vitamin D3 diminishes the inflammatory activity of macrophages, suggesting a pathway for reducing arthritis symptoms. We also observed promising effects in TNF-transgenic mice, where vitamin D3 treatment alleviated arthritic manifestations and promoted a healthier macrophage profile in cells taken from swollen joints.
Overall, our findings affirm the potential of vitamin D3 as a beneficial treatment option for individuals struggling with rheumatoid arthritis.
We found that vitamin D3 has a unique ability to suppress M1 macrophage polarization, a process that intensifies inflammation and is linked to RA symptoms. The treatment reduced levels of various inflammatory markers in macrophages, which are crucial players in our immune response.
In controlled experiments using THP-1 cells (a type of human immune cell), vitamin D3 enhanced the expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1). This interaction was significant because FBP1 helps manage the degradation of another protein called PKR, which is involved in the inflammatory response.
By interacting with FBP1 and PKR, vitamin D3 diminishes the inflammatory activity of macrophages, suggesting a pathway for reducing arthritis symptoms. We also observed promising effects in TNF-transgenic mice, where vitamin D3 treatment alleviated arthritic manifestations and promoted a healthier macrophage profile in cells taken from swollen joints.
Overall, our findings affirm the potential of vitamin D3 as a beneficial treatment option for individuals struggling with rheumatoid arthritis.
Read More
9
We conducted a clinical trial to see how vitamin D supplementation affects rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, particularly regarding their disease activity and fatigue levels. Our study was based in Tripoli, Libya, where we monitored two groups of RA patients over a 12-week period. One group received vitamin D, while the other continued with standard medications.
Among the 68 participants—primarily women—we observed that the group taking vitamin D showed noticeable improvements in their overall wellness. Notably, their vitamin D levels increased significantly compared to those who did not receive the supplement. This rise in vitamin D was linked to better scores on fatigue assessments, meaning patients felt less tired.
Although both groups had similar characteristics at the start of the study, the outcome highlighted a clear benefit of vitamin D. We found that higher vitamin D levels correlated with improved fatigue, encouraging evidence for considering vitamin D as part of RA treatment plans. However, no significant changes were observed in disease activity scores, indicating that while vitamin D helps with fatigue, it may not directly alter the course of RA.
Among the 68 participants—primarily women—we observed that the group taking vitamin D showed noticeable improvements in their overall wellness. Notably, their vitamin D levels increased significantly compared to those who did not receive the supplement. This rise in vitamin D was linked to better scores on fatigue assessments, meaning patients felt less tired.
Although both groups had similar characteristics at the start of the study, the outcome highlighted a clear benefit of vitamin D. We found that higher vitamin D levels correlated with improved fatigue, encouraging evidence for considering vitamin D as part of RA treatment plans. However, no significant changes were observed in disease activity scores, indicating that while vitamin D helps with fatigue, it may not directly alter the course of RA.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of 20-hydroxyvitamin D3 (20(OH)D3) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a mouse model. Unlike vitamin D3, which can have harmful effects on the body's calcium levels, 20(OH)D3 offers a noncalcemic alternative that shows promise for chronic treatment of RA.
Our findings demonstrated that 20(OH)D3 significantly suppressed clinical signs of arthritis and reduced joint damage. We observed a decrease in harmful lymphocyte subsets, such as CD4 T cells and CD19 B cells, which are responsible for inflammatory responses in RA. Notably, treatment with 20(OH)D3 resulted in a better balance of regulatory T cells compared to other T cell types, and also a reduction in anti-CII antibodies, critical players in joint damage.
The results of this study suggest that by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibodies, 20(OH)D3 effectively shields the cartilage and bone from destruction. This positions 20(OH)D3 as a potential candidate for treating RA and possibly other autoimmune disorders, warranting further investigation.
Our findings demonstrated that 20(OH)D3 significantly suppressed clinical signs of arthritis and reduced joint damage. We observed a decrease in harmful lymphocyte subsets, such as CD4 T cells and CD19 B cells, which are responsible for inflammatory responses in RA. Notably, treatment with 20(OH)D3 resulted in a better balance of regulatory T cells compared to other T cell types, and also a reduction in anti-CII antibodies, critical players in joint damage.
The results of this study suggest that by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibodies, 20(OH)D3 effectively shields the cartilage and bone from destruction. This positions 20(OH)D3 as a potential candidate for treating RA and possibly other autoimmune disorders, warranting further investigation.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Life-changing results
70 people found this helpful
I have had rheumatoid arthritis for nearly a decade and have been on Enbrel, which helps but does not eliminate my daily pain. After learning about the Coimbra protocol, I tried taking 10,000 IUs of vitamin D daily. Surprisingly, my pain diminished significantly, my energy increased, and I could engage in activities with my children again. I've been using these vitamins for eight months and recommend them, although caution is advised during warmer weather.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 21 Researches
7.1
- All Researches
9
Vitamin D and mortality connection
We analyzed a large dataset involving 2,290 individuals aged 20 to 85 years diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to explore how varying levels of vitamin D could influence overall mortality rates within this group. Our findings revealed a noteworthy trend: lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were linked to a higher risk of death. Specifically, for every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D, the risk of death decreased, showcasing a protective effect.
We particularly noted significant associations between sufficient vitamin D levels and lower mortality rates from heart disease and certain cancers. In fact, individuals with adequate vitamin D levels showed a striking 40% reduced risk of dying compared to those classified as vitamin D deficient.
Given these results, it's clear that vitamin D plays a vital role in the health of those with rheumatoid arthritis, especially for older adults. We suggest that maintaining a minimum level of 60 nmol/L could be crucial for improving outcomes in this population.
To sum up, the evidence suggests that supporting adequate vitamin D levels might just be a key factor in enhancing longevity and overall health in individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis.
We particularly noted significant associations between sufficient vitamin D levels and lower mortality rates from heart disease and certain cancers. In fact, individuals with adequate vitamin D levels showed a striking 40% reduced risk of dying compared to those classified as vitamin D deficient.
Given these results, it's clear that vitamin D plays a vital role in the health of those with rheumatoid arthritis, especially for older adults. We suggest that maintaining a minimum level of 60 nmol/L could be crucial for improving outcomes in this population.
To sum up, the evidence suggests that supporting adequate vitamin D levels might just be a key factor in enhancing longevity and overall health in individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Read More
9
We conducted a clinical trial to see how vitamin D supplementation affects rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, particularly regarding their disease activity and fatigue levels. Our study was based in Tripoli, Libya, where we monitored two groups of RA patients over a 12-week period. One group received vitamin D, while the other continued with standard medications.
Among the 68 participants—primarily women—we observed that the group taking vitamin D showed noticeable improvements in their overall wellness. Notably, their vitamin D levels increased significantly compared to those who did not receive the supplement. This rise in vitamin D was linked to better scores on fatigue assessments, meaning patients felt less tired.
Although both groups had similar characteristics at the start of the study, the outcome highlighted a clear benefit of vitamin D. We found that higher vitamin D levels correlated with improved fatigue, encouraging evidence for considering vitamin D as part of RA treatment plans. However, no significant changes were observed in disease activity scores, indicating that while vitamin D helps with fatigue, it may not directly alter the course of RA.
Among the 68 participants—primarily women—we observed that the group taking vitamin D showed noticeable improvements in their overall wellness. Notably, their vitamin D levels increased significantly compared to those who did not receive the supplement. This rise in vitamin D was linked to better scores on fatigue assessments, meaning patients felt less tired.
Although both groups had similar characteristics at the start of the study, the outcome highlighted a clear benefit of vitamin D. We found that higher vitamin D levels correlated with improved fatigue, encouraging evidence for considering vitamin D as part of RA treatment plans. However, no significant changes were observed in disease activity scores, indicating that while vitamin D helps with fatigue, it may not directly alter the course of RA.
Read More
9
We investigated the role of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D, commonly known as vitamin D3, in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Our study focused on how this vitamin influences macrophage activation, especially in patients with RA.
We found that vitamin D3 has a unique ability to suppress M1 macrophage polarization, a process that intensifies inflammation and is linked to RA symptoms. The treatment reduced levels of various inflammatory markers in macrophages, which are crucial players in our immune response.
In controlled experiments using THP-1 cells (a type of human immune cell), vitamin D3 enhanced the expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1). This interaction was significant because FBP1 helps manage the degradation of another protein called PKR, which is involved in the inflammatory response.
By interacting with FBP1 and PKR, vitamin D3 diminishes the inflammatory activity of macrophages, suggesting a pathway for reducing arthritis symptoms. We also observed promising effects in TNF-transgenic mice, where vitamin D3 treatment alleviated arthritic manifestations and promoted a healthier macrophage profile in cells taken from swollen joints.
Overall, our findings affirm the potential of vitamin D3 as a beneficial treatment option for individuals struggling with rheumatoid arthritis.
We found that vitamin D3 has a unique ability to suppress M1 macrophage polarization, a process that intensifies inflammation and is linked to RA symptoms. The treatment reduced levels of various inflammatory markers in macrophages, which are crucial players in our immune response.
In controlled experiments using THP-1 cells (a type of human immune cell), vitamin D3 enhanced the expression of fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase 1 (FBP1). This interaction was significant because FBP1 helps manage the degradation of another protein called PKR, which is involved in the inflammatory response.
By interacting with FBP1 and PKR, vitamin D3 diminishes the inflammatory activity of macrophages, suggesting a pathway for reducing arthritis symptoms. We also observed promising effects in TNF-transgenic mice, where vitamin D3 treatment alleviated arthritic manifestations and promoted a healthier macrophage profile in cells taken from swollen joints.
Overall, our findings affirm the potential of vitamin D3 as a beneficial treatment option for individuals struggling with rheumatoid arthritis.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of 20-hydroxyvitamin D3 (20(OH)D3) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a mouse model. Unlike vitamin D3, which can have harmful effects on the body's calcium levels, 20(OH)D3 offers a noncalcemic alternative that shows promise for chronic treatment of RA.
Our findings demonstrated that 20(OH)D3 significantly suppressed clinical signs of arthritis and reduced joint damage. We observed a decrease in harmful lymphocyte subsets, such as CD4 T cells and CD19 B cells, which are responsible for inflammatory responses in RA. Notably, treatment with 20(OH)D3 resulted in a better balance of regulatory T cells compared to other T cell types, and also a reduction in anti-CII antibodies, critical players in joint damage.
The results of this study suggest that by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibodies, 20(OH)D3 effectively shields the cartilage and bone from destruction. This positions 20(OH)D3 as a potential candidate for treating RA and possibly other autoimmune disorders, warranting further investigation.
Our findings demonstrated that 20(OH)D3 significantly suppressed clinical signs of arthritis and reduced joint damage. We observed a decrease in harmful lymphocyte subsets, such as CD4 T cells and CD19 B cells, which are responsible for inflammatory responses in RA. Notably, treatment with 20(OH)D3 resulted in a better balance of regulatory T cells compared to other T cell types, and also a reduction in anti-CII antibodies, critical players in joint damage.
The results of this study suggest that by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines and antibodies, 20(OH)D3 effectively shields the cartilage and bone from destruction. This positions 20(OH)D3 as a potential candidate for treating RA and possibly other autoimmune disorders, warranting further investigation.
Read More
8
We examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 different studies. Our aim was to determine how vitamin D might influence key health markers in RA patients, particularly focusing on inflammation and overall disease activity.
The findings were quite promising. Vitamin D showed a significant positive effect on the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28), which is a measure of RA activity. The weighted mean difference (WMD) observed was -0.83, indicating that vitamin D helped reduce overall disease activity. Additionally, we noted improvements in other markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), both of which are indicators of inflammation.
While vitamin D effectively raised serum vitamin D levels, it didn't have a significant impact on the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) or pain scores (VAS-pain). This suggests that while vitamin D may help manage inflammation and disease activity, it doesn't necessarily translate into improved functionality or pain relief in every aspect.
Overall, our analysis suggests that vitamin D supplementation can be beneficial for managing rheumatoid arthritis, although we still need to figure out the best dosages and duration of treatment. This gap in knowledge poses an important question for future research.
The findings were quite promising. Vitamin D showed a significant positive effect on the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS-28), which is a measure of RA activity. The weighted mean difference (WMD) observed was -0.83, indicating that vitamin D helped reduce overall disease activity. Additionally, we noted improvements in other markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), both of which are indicators of inflammation.
While vitamin D effectively raised serum vitamin D levels, it didn't have a significant impact on the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) or pain scores (VAS-pain). This suggests that while vitamin D may help manage inflammation and disease activity, it doesn't necessarily translate into improved functionality or pain relief in every aspect.
Overall, our analysis suggests that vitamin D supplementation can be beneficial for managing rheumatoid arthritis, although we still need to figure out the best dosages and duration of treatment. This gap in knowledge poses an important question for future research.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 1 Review
8.6
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
Life-changing results
70 people found this helpful
I have had rheumatoid arthritis for nearly a decade and have been on Enbrel, which helps but does not eliminate my daily pain. After learning about the Coimbra protocol, I tried taking 10,000 IUs of vitamin D daily. Surprisingly, my pain diminished significantly, my energy increased, and I could engage in activities with my children again. I've been using these vitamins for eight months and recommend them, although caution is advised during warmer weather.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
No FAQs are available for this product and symptom.
References
- Ranjbar M, Rahimlou M, Fallah M, Djafarian K, Mohammadi H. Effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2025;11:e42463. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42463
- Rafati A, Ramezani R, Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh H, Bahrami S, Alvanegh AG, et al. Calcitriol Treated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Modulated Immune Response in Collagen-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in BALB/c Mice. Transplant Proc. 2025;57:355. 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.12.020
- Hijjawi N, Tout FS, Azaizeh B, Aljaafreh B. The role of vitamins D, B12, C, and K in modulating inflammation and disease management in rheumatoid arthritis: a comprehensive review. Clin Rheumatol. 2025;44:591. 10.1007/s10067-024-07285-9
- Wielińska J, Górna K, Świerkot J, Bugaj B, Kolossa K, et al. Polymorphic Variants in the Vitamin D Receptor and Clinical Parameters of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Anti-TNF Treatment. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2024;72. 10.2478/aite-2024-0023
- Feng Y, Zhu P, Yan D, Wang X, Chen C, et al. Implications of vitamin D levels or status for mortality in rheumatoid arthritis: analysis of 2001-2018 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Front Immunol. 2024;15:1425119. 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1425119
- Choudhury C, Sahib A, Karmakar P, Kar S. Correlation of Serum Vitamin D and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol Levels With Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Single-Center Experience From Eastern India. Cureus. 2024;16:e69333. 10.7759/cureus.69333
- Yadav A, Gera C, Avasthi GL. Multifactorial Nature of Fatigue in North Indian Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2024;35:241. 10.31138/mjr.150124.mnf
- Shufang M, Xiaojiao H, Yinhong K. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-21 correlates with the reactive oxygen species and 25-hydroxy vitamin D in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Immun Inflamm Dis. 2024;12:e1308. 10.1002/iid3.1308
- Elfituri S. The effects of vitamin D supplementation on disease activity and fatigue in Libyan rheumatoid arthritis patients. Reumatologia. 2024;62:109. 10.5114/reum/187391
- Deane KD. Rheumatoid arthritis: prediction of future clinically-apparent disease, and prevention. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2024;36:225. 10.1097/BOR.0000000000001013
- Cieślewicz A, Korzeniowska K, Grabańska-Martyńska K, Jabłecka A, Hrycaj P. Seasonal and Treatment-Related Variation in 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Concentration in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Clin Med. 2024;13. 10.3390/jcm13040973
- Rivera-Escoto M, Campos-LĂłpez B, Pesqueda-Cendejas K, Ruiz-Ballesteros AI, Mora-GarcĂa PE, et al. Analysis of Potential Vitamin D Molecule Biomarkers: Association of Calcitriol and Its Hydroxylation Efficiency Ratio with Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. Biomedicines. 2024;12. 10.3390/biomedicines12020273
- Malakooti SK, Siddiqui H, Wilson B, Bej T, O'Mara M, et al. Higher Vitamin D Levels before Methotrexate Therapy Initiation Are Associated with Lower Subsequent Mortality in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Nutrients. 2024;16. 10.3390/nu16030401
- Huovinen J, Palosaari S, Pesonen P, Huhtakangas JA, Lehenkari P. 1,25(OH)D and its analogue calcipotriol inhibit the migration of human synovial and mesenchymal stromal cells in a wound healing model - A comparison with glucocorticoids. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2023;233:106373. 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106373
- Zhu W, Zhu Y, Zhang S, Zhang W, Si Z, et al. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D regulates macrophage activation through FBP1/PKR and ameliorates arthritis in TNF-transgenic mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2023;228:106251. 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106251
- Zou J, Zhu L, Yang J, Feng J, Li S, et al. Correlation between vitamin D metabolites and rheumatoid arthritis with osteoporosis by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). J Bone Miner Metab. 2022;40:696. 10.1007/s00774-022-01337-3
- Sakalyte R, Denkovskij J, Bernotiene E, Stropuviene S, Mikulenaite SO, et al. The Expression of Inflammasomes NLRP1 and NLRP3, Toll-Like Receptors, and Vitamin D Receptor in Synovial Fibroblasts From Patients With Different Types of Knee Arthritis. Front Immunol. 2021;12:767512. 10.3389/fimmu.2021.767512
- Myers LK, Winstead M, Kee JD, Park JJ, Zhang S, et al. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 20-Hydroxyvitamin D3 Upregulate LAIR-1 and Attenuate Collagen Induced Arthritis. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22. 10.3390/ijms222413342
- Postlethwaite AE, Tuckey RC, Kim TK, Li W, Bhattacharya SK, et al. 20-Hydroxyvitamin D3, a Secosteroid Produced in Humans, Is Anti-Inflammatory and Inhibits Murine Autoimmune Arthritis. Front Immunol. 2021;12:678487. 10.3389/fimmu.2021.678487
- Dobrovolskaya OV, Toroptsova NV, Nikitinskaya OA, Samarkina EY, Cherkasova MV, et al. [Vitamin D status in women with rheumatoid arthritis: frequency of hypovitaminosis, associations with disease activity, body composition and comorbidity]. Ter Arkh. 2021;93:581. 10.26442/00403660.2021.05.200790
- Hemshekhar M, Anaparti V, El-Gabalawy H, Mookherjee N. A bioavailable form of curcumin, in combination with vitamin-D- and omega-3-enriched diet, modifies disease onset and outcomes in a murine model of collagen-induced arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2021;23:39. 10.1186/s13075-021-02423-z
