Lack of sunshine worsens lupus
Sunlight can make some aspects of lupus worse, so further research is needed to work out how vitamin D levels could be safely increased in patients. Image: magdasmith/iStockphoto Lupus patients show more severe symptoms of the disease if their vitamin D levels are low, an Australian-first study has found.Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects more than five million people worldwide, was found to be worse in vitamin D deficient SLE patients than in those with normal levels, in the study led by Professor Eric Morand, head of the Monash Lupus Clinic and Southern Clinical School at Monash Medical Centre.The research also observed that Australians are more susceptible to the disease due to environmental, genetic and cultural factors, which contribute to vitamin D deficiency.Professor Morand said although practicing sun avoidance is important for lupus patients, as sunlight can make aspects of the disease worse, this can lead to vitamin D deficiency and an...