Vitamin D is an immune regulatory factor and is known to be associated with several pleiotropic effects, in addition to the regulation of calcium and bone mineralization. Vitamin D might favorably influence cardiovascular health, level of airway inflammatory factors and numerous functions in the brain. Fermenta, one of the largest manufacturers of Vitamin D, brings to you this Newsletter on the latest research of Vitamin D in Chronic Diseases. Vitamin D deficiency might be associated with a higher risk of CV mortality A meta-analysis of 19 cohort studies analyzed the association between circulating Vitamin D and risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Among 41,916 participants, lower Vitamin D level was associated with ~3-fold, 62% and 75% greater risk of SCD, CVD and the composite of SCD & CVD mortality, respectively Vs. higher Vitamin D level. In those with pre-existing CVD, CKD and diabetes, lower Vitamin D was associated with 58%, 81% and 90% higher risk of SCD and CVD mortality. There was a significant inverse dose-response relationship with consistent increase in the risk of mortality as Vitamin D levels dropped below 50 nmol/L. Kong SY et al. J Korean Med Sci. 2023 Aug 21;38(33):e260 Higher Vitamin D levels might alleviate depression symptoms An umbrella meta-analysis (involving 65 RCTs and 31 observational studies) studied the association between Vitamin D and depression. Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the depression symptom score with a standardized mean difference of -0.40 compared to placebo. Based on sub-group analyses, Vitamin D dosage of 4000-5000 IU/day and ≤ 20-weeks of intervention showed a stronger reduction in depression symptoms. Lower levels of Vitamin D were associated with 60% higher odds of depression Vs. higher levels of Vitamin D. This inverse association was more prominent among those ≤ 50 years. Musazadeh V et al. Pharmacol Res. 2023 Jan;187:106605 Vitamin D might promote beneficial anti-inflammatory mechanism in COPD A prospective, randomized study investigated the association between Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance and Vitamin D in early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants were divided as - mild COPD (grade I), moderate COPD (grade II), and a healthy group. Vitamin D levels and lung function parameters (FEV1pred% and FEV1/FVC) were higher in the healthy group and lowest in the grade II group while the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were higher in the grade II group. Th1/Th2 is associated with the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4. Vitamin D showed a positive correlation with Th1/Th2 cytokines and the lung function index FEV1pred% in early COPD. Tang W et al. Front Physiol. 2023 Mar 17;14:1032786 Disclaimer: The contents of this scientific issue have been developed by FourC Healthvistas Pvt. Ltd. for Fermenta Biotech Ltd., from reasonable and reliable information published in literature as cited. This is for information purpose only and not a substitute to medical advice. Although great care has been taken in compiling and checking the information, the authors, FourC Healthvistas Pvt. Ltd., Fermenta Biotech Ltd., its employees and/or its agents & sponsors shall not be responsible, or in anyway liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in this publication, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, or for any consequences arising therefrom. For more information, please visit our public awareness initiative All Rights Reserved Fermenta Biotech Ltd.