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Vitamin D Activates T Cells

Vitamin D has been garnering attention from medical scientists for many functions besides promoting strong bones. A recent study shows why it is crucial for the function of the immune system. Danish researchers have found that killer T cells, a critical part of the immune response, use a vitamin D receptor to activate the cell. Without adequate vitamin D, the killer T cell will not become activated and will be unable to fight off germs. The body makes vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight, but epidemiologists estimate that approximately half the population is low in vitamin D because too little time is spent outside. The investigators believe that a better understanding of the role of this vitamin in the immune system will help develop vaccines and ways to counteract autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.
[Nature Immunology, online March 7, 2010]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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