Scleroderma and Autoimmunity

 

Scleroderma may seem like a far out topic but it is a good example of an autoimmune condition and many of the principles related to it apply to other autoimmune disorders. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by thickening and hardening of the skin and internal organs if they are involved in the disease. The disease can be confined to the skin or can involved other tissues. It is often accompanies by Raynaud's phenomenon. Environmental Exposures One factor involved in the condition is toxic exposures. The disease can be induced by exposure to organic solvents, plastics, drugs, silicone, and other pollutants. These may attache to collagen and trigger the immune system to attack the tissues themselves rather than the pollutants. Plastics and solvents are everywhere in the environment. Avoidance of problem exposures can slow the progress or reverse the course of the disease. Detoxification can therefore be helpful. Digestion Another contributor to this autoimmune condition can be digestive issues. Those with scleroderma can develop slow transit time and reduced motility of the digestive tract. This can alter the microbiome-- the bacteria living in the digestive tract. Some of these alterations can contribute to autoimmunity. Trials of digestive aids and probiotics are often helpful at addressing digestive issues. Nutrient Deficiencies One of the hallmarks of many autoimmune conditions is deficiency of vitamin D. This vitamin plays a role in the development of the immune system. Deficiencies contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions. Half of those with scleroderma in one study were quite deficient in vitamin D. Another common deficiency in scleroderma is inadequate zinc. Loss of taste, a characteristic of zinc deficiency, often takes place during treatment for scleroderma. Scleroderma is a condition in which the tissues become rigid and unresponsive. This is called fibrotic. Several nutrients tend to help prevent fibrotic conditions including vitamin D, vitamin E, and PABA, a B vitamin. All of these have been used to try to treat scleroderma, often with good results. The active polyphenol in tea, EGCG, also appears to have an anti-fibrotic effect. Oxidative damage is increased in those with scleroderma. Vitamin E helps address oxidative damage along with its ability to prevent hardening of the tissues. Oxidative damage leads to inflammation which moves the disease process along. Unresolved inflammation leads to fibrotic conditions. Resolution of inflammation is regulated by resolvins which are manufactured from omega-3 fatty acids. References: Vitamin D deficiency associated with hypertension and skin involvement. The role of resolvins in systemic sclerosis. Polyphenols and fibrosis. Natural remedies for scleroderma. ASIA ASIS stands for Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants. It is also known as Shoenfeld's syndrome. Adjuvants in vaccines are used to enhance the immune response to a vaccine. These adjuvants can trigger autoimmune conditions. Common adjuvants in many vaccines include mercury, aluminum. and other substances. Article on ASIA. The Bottom Line There are over 80 different types of autoimmune conditions. The nature of the problem is simple. The body's immune system attacks its own tissues. There are doubtless many factors that can trigger this process yet at its root is oxidative damage and inflammation. It is estimated that about one in ten people in the United States have an autoimmune condition. These conditions can be triggered by exposure to toxic compounds in the environment or those introduced into our bodies through diet (aluminum), surgery (silicone breast impants or mercury in the teeth), or vaccines and the adjuvants they contain. Autoimmunity can often be treated, but best results will be achieved by improving health to decrease the abnormal functioning of the body.

Psoriasis

 I was recently asked about psoriasis. This condition is believed to be an autoimmune condition. It is characterized by inflamed scaly lesions covered with a silvery-white scale. Pitted fingernails may also be present.

Heavy alcohol consumption is known to increase the incidence of psoriasis. Food allergies can also play a role. Over 10% of those with psoriasis have a strong intolerance to gluten found in wheat, rye, oats and barley. Dealing with other food intolerances will often result in substantial improvement of the condition. This can be done with an elimination diet or actual testing for food intolerances.

Large amounts of animal protein can make psoriasis worse while a vegan diet often results in improvement. This may be due to the fact that most animal products in the United States are loaded with inflammatory fat (arachidonic acid). Leukotriene B4 appears to be involved in the development of psoriasis and this compound is a byproduct of metabolism of arachidonic acid, the inflammatory compound found in animal products when they are fed corn. Fish oils can remove arachidonic acid from cell membranes and numerous trials for 1-4 months have shown that fish oils or increasing dietary intake of fish will often result in significant improvement of psoriasis.

Vitamin D is known to help prevent autoimmune conditions and analogues of the vitamin have been used medically to treat the condition. Testing of blood levels of the vitamin are worthwhile looking at in those with psoriasis. Very little research has been done in this area.

Injections of vitamin B2 have been shown to improve some cases of psoriasis. This vitamin interacts with light which may be a mechanism of why it helps. Ultraviolet light has been used to treat psoriasis.

Chromium and zinc may be important if blood sugar issues are contributing to the condition. If thyroid function is low treating this can result in improvement of psoriasis.

Some have suggested that an overgrowth of fungus in the digestive tract may contribute to the condition. This would explain why psoriasis is often associated with excessive consumption of sugar or alcohol. An anti-Candida diet may be worth a try.

The most important nutrients to look at with psoriasis would be omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. The most important dietary factors would be to avoid sugars and foods high in inflammatory omega-6 fats.

References:

Link to government study on psoriasis and vitamin D.

Case studies on vitamin D and psoriasis.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Stroke

Deficiency of vitamin D is one of the most frequently identified nutrient deficiencies. It is estimated that over a billion people in the world are deficient. Any measurement below 30 ng/ml is considered insufficient or deficient. Low vitamin D levels are associated with a number of disease states including autoimmune conditions, flu or influenza, heart disease, depression, cancer, fractures, type 2 diabetes and even, recently, stroke risk. Stroke is the second most common cause of death in the world.

Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium and phosphorus which are critical for healthy bones. Lack of adequate intake of vitamin D can decrease phosphorus absorption to 60% and calcium absorption to 10-15 percent of dietary intake.

Low levels of vitamin D appears to increase the risk of stroke, increase the risk of death from stroke in white people, and may impair recovery after a stroke.

Oral bisphosphonates (such as Fosamax and Boniva) are often recommended for bone loss along with calcium. A recent study suggests that the use of calcium with the bisphosphonates may actually increase the risk of one type of stroke. The researchers conclude with the following observation: "The results of the present study suggest that the long-term use of calcium supplements without vitamin D increases the risk of cardioembolic IS (ischemic stroke), which seems particularly great when used in combination with oral bisphosphonates."

Reference:

Link to Review Article on stroke and vitamin D deficiency.

Bisphosphonates, calcium, and stroke risk

Aging Vitamin D, Omega-3, and Exercise

 A major study out of Switzerland was recently published reporting that vitamin D, omega-3 fats, and exercise all slow the rate of aging. This three year study found that this combination slowed the aging process by almost four months. The report concluded, "In summary, our trial indicates a small protective effect of omega-3 treatment on slowing biological aging over 3 years across several clocks, with an additive protective effect of omega-3, vitamin D and exercise based on PhenoAge." The effect of omega-3 fats was the key nutrient they looked at, but the observation was made that vitamin D and exercise added benefit in an attempt to slow the aging process.

Over 2,000 individuals were involved in this trial. The researchers had done earlier studies showing the benefits of each of the measures in improving aging. This study looked at each of the factors individually and also all three collectively. The conclusion was that these health measures resulted in epigenetic changes to the genes. In other words, the genes themselves were not altered, but the manner in which they functioned was.

The researchers observed that "omega-3 alone reduced the rate of infections by 13% (ref. 22) and the rate of falls by 10% (ref. 23), and all three interventions combined had a significant additive benefit on reducing prefrailty by 39% (ref. 24) and incident invasive cancer by 61% (ref. 25) over a 3-year follow-up."

Amazing results like these provide a strong motivation to exercise and obtain adequate intake of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. The vitamin D intake was 2,000 IU per day and the daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids was 1,000 mg per day. Exercise was done at home.

Reference:

Link to article of aging and omega-3. Bischoff-Ferrari, Heike A., et al., Individual and additive effects of vitamin D, omega-3 and exercise on DNA methylation clocks of biological aging in older adults from the DO-HEALTH trial, Nature Aging, February 3, 2025.

NeoLife Vitamin D

 Almost all vitamin D sold is derived from lanolin from lamb's wool. NeoLife vitamin D is from lichen and mushroom, a food source. The Current intake recommendations for vitamin D in adults under the age of 70 years is 600 IU per day (15 micrograms). Over the age of 70 years, recommendations increase to 800 IU per day (20 micrograms). The NeoLife product is manufactured to conform to general recommendations. In some cases much more vitamin D may be needed, but excess vitamin D can result in calcification of soft tissues. 

Dr. Ryan Cole at Clinical Nutrition Meeting

 Clinical Nutrition Conference

   The International and American Association of Clinical Nutritionists met in Dallas in September with a conference focus on covid, viral infections, and immunization. This newsletter will share a few highlights on nutrients important for immune health and good outcomes from covid infection shared by Dr. Ryan Cole with the attendees.

.Dr. Ryan Cole Lecture on Vitamin D

There is no such thing as ‘flu and cold season”, only low vitamin D season !!!!" Every cell in our body has a vitamin D receptor in the nucleus. Approximately 2,000 genes in our body (5% of our genome) are controlled by vitamin D. Vitamin D is the master key to our immune health! If one has a D level of 50ng/ml (range 20-100) one cannot develop a “cytokine storm” (that which often killed in covid). 

70-80% of All Americans are vitamin D deficient or insufficient. The presence of vitamin D helps shift the body from an inflammatory state to an anti-inflammatory state. Vitamin D deficiency season is October-March in northern latitudes for those who spend time outdoors, and the rest of the year for those who work indoors. Obesity drastically decreases bioavailable vitamin D. Normal vitamin D levels decrease the risk of many cancers. 

Normal D levels decrease COVID symptom severity and risk for hospitalization by up to 80-90%!!!! Normal D levels decrease clotting (covid is a clotting disease). “I take 6,000 per day…” Fauci interview November 2020 and in his FOIA emails.

The Endocrine Society of America states that one can safely take 4,000 IU daily without checking levels. Children age 1-3 no more than 1,000-2,000 IU, children 4-8 no more than 2,000-3,000 IU.

Those at greatest risk of most serious deficiency: the obese, those with dark skin, the elderly. Oral vitamin D dosing does not become active and bioavailable for 10-14 days after supplementing.

 

 Dr. Ryan Cole on Magnesium

 

Up to half of the U.S. population is magnesium deficient. Vitamin D remains stored and inactive if magnesium is deficient. High intake of calcium without sufficient magnesium can lead to calcification of soft tissues. Magnesium deficiency is associated with heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and diabetes. Higher dietary intake of magnesium is associated with decreased severity and symptoms of those in the hospital with covid.

Dr. Ryan Cole on Zinc

 

Up to as many as 40% of the elderly in the U.S. are zinc deficient. A small amount of copper should be supplemented if one is taking a high dose of zinc. This is usually found in a good multiple. Phytate in grains and legumes inhibits zinc absorption. Vitamin D can not penetrate our tissues when we are zinc deficient. The mineral in involved in 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. When zinc intake is above 30 mg a small amount of copper should be added to the supplement program. Zinc decreases inflammatory compounds resulting from immune activity. Patients low in zinc have poor outcomes when they develop covid;

Vitamin D and Disease

  A recent study out of Israel had once again confirmed that vitamin D levels may determine whether covid causes serious illness or not. In this study those with low blood levels of vitamin D (<20 ng/mL) were 14 times more likely to have severe or critical disease than patients with 25(OH)D ≥40 ng/mL. The higher level used in this study (40 ng/mL) is the low end of adequate vitamin D intake. The conclusion of the study was, "Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, pre-infection deficiency of vitamin D was associated with increased disease severity and mortality."

I first wrote about the value of vitamin D in fighting the flu in 2007. 

Links-- Click on links to see articles

Dror AA, Morozov N, Daoud A, Namir Y, Yakir O, Shachar Y, et al. (2022) Pre-infection 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and association with severity of COVID-19 illness. PLoS ONE 17(2): e0263069. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263069

Autoimmunity

                             Mercury Dental Fillings and Autoimmunity

Dental fillings placed in the teeth of mice resulted in immune abnormalities associated with autoimmunity. Other metals including gold, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and silver can also promote autoimmunity. It appears that chronic exposure to the metals is required for the development of autoimmune reactions. Metals may become incorporated into tissues triggering immune attack against those tissues.

References:

Hultman, Per, et al, Adverse Immunological Effects and Autoimmunity Induced by Dental Amalgam and Alloy in Mice, FASEB Journal, 1994;8:1183-1190.

Bigazzi, Pierluigi E., Autoimmunity and Heavy Metals, Lupus, 1994;3:449-453.

Gluten and Autoimmunity

Introduction of gluten into the diet of a child in the first 3 months of life increased the risk of developing celiac disease five-fold. This is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own digestive tract. Gluten increases the permeability of the digestive tract leading to food intolerances and allergies.

References:

Norris JM, Barriga K, et al, Risk of Celiac Disease Autoimmunity and Timing of Gluten Introduction in the Diet of Infants at Increased Risk of Disease, JAMA, May 18, 2005;293(19):2343-2351. 

Nutrition and Autoimmunity

Deficiency of vitamin A increased the progression of autoimmune disease in animals that provide a model for lupus. The risk of autoimmunity against the cells that produce insulin in children appears to be inversely related to intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 deficiencies early in childhood may increase the risk of type 1 diabetes.  Dr. Jill Norris, Ph.D., from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, believes that the vitamin supplementation for infants helps prevent beta-cell autoimmunity leading to Type 1 diabetes.

Vitamin D deficiency is a key factor involved in the development of autoimmunity. The protein in milk can mimic the vitamin D receptor, thus allergy to milk can contribute to difficulty in utilizing vitamin D.

References:

Gershwin ME, Lentz DR, et al, Nutritional Factors and Autoimmunity: IV. Dietary Vitamin A Deprivation Induces a Selective Increase in IgM Autoantibodies and Hypergammaglobulinemia in New Zealand Black Mice, J Immunol, July, 1984;133(1):222-226.

Norris JM, Yin X, et al, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and islet autoimmunity in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes, JAMA, 2007; 298(12): 1420-8.

Baker, Barbara,Infant Vitamins May Protect Against Diabetes, Family Practice News, July 15, 1996;4.

Embry AF, Vitamin D Supplementation in the Fight Against Multiple Sclerosis, J Orthomol Med, 2004;19(1):27-38.

Vitamin D and Covid

 A recent study found that exposure to sunlight that can increase vitamin D levels prior to infection with Covid-19 reduced risk of hospitalization and death from the virus. This is hardly surprising news as the benefits of vitamin D against influenza have been noted for years.

Article on Sunlight, Vitamin D and Covid-19

 Thoughts on Covid

Vitamin D Deficiency and COVID-19

A study conducted at the University of Heidelberg was published near the end of 2020 which reported on the protective effects of vitamin C against serious complications from COVID-19. This study is significant because vaccine manufacturers are not promising that vaccines will prevent infection with the virus, but only that seriousness of the infection will be reduced.

In the Heidelberg study vitamin D deficiency was associated with more than a 6-fold risk of invasive mechanical ventilation and almost a 15-fold increased risk of death. The authors concluded, "Our study demonstrates an association between VitD deficiency and severity/mortality of COVID-19, highlighting the need for interventional studies on VitD supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals."

Of the 185 patients treated at the center 22% were vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency consisted of a blood level of total 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 12 ng/mL (<30 nM). Regular or habitual use of vitamin D seems to be preferable in scientific studies.

References:

Article on Vitamin D Deficiency

Habitual use of Vitamin D

Video Discussion by John Campbell, M.D.

Zinc and Viruses

Intracellular zinc inhibits viral replication. The key word here is intracellular. Viruses do their damage within cells. Thus the zinc must get within cells in order to effectively boost immune function against viruses. The focus of pharmaceutical firms is on zinc ionophores. An ionophore is nothing more than a substance that can transport a molecule across a lipid membrane like a cell membrane.

Dr. Arthur Furst was one of the scientific pioneers in mineral biology who realized that absorption of minerals could be hindered if the wrong forms of minerals were used in supplementation. He developed NeoLife's double chelation technology. Chelation of zinc greatly facilitates the transport of zinc within the human body.

Studies have shown that zinc is antiviral if it can be delivered to the proper places in the cell. Many antiviral agents help to deliver zinc to the cells. Some like tea catechins both aid the movement of zinc within cells, but also have antiviral activity of their own.

References:

Article on zinc and Covid-19

Zinc Enhances Antiviral Activity of Hydroxychloroquine

Zinc Inhibits Coronovirus

Risks of Rushed Vaccine

"Telescoping testing timelines and approvals may expose all of us to unnecessary dangers related to the vaccine. While preclinical trials to evaluate the potential safety and efficacy of vaccine candidates are likely to include tens of thousands of patients, it is still unclear whether that number will be large enough and a trial will last long enough to evaluate safety for a drug that would be administered to so many. The US alone plans to vaccinate hundreds of millions of people with the first successful candidate. One serious adverse event per thousand of a vaccine given to 100 million people means harm to 100,000 otherwise healthy people." 

Haseltines warnings in Scientific American have been ignored as a result of "emergency authorization" for the use of vaccines prior to thorough testing. Haseltine has a couple of major concerns:

#1: ADE (antibody dependent enhancement): Worsening the result of infection. This phenomena has been observed in attempts to develop other vaccines for coronoviruses. COVID-19 patients have also evidenced antibodies in the blood characteristic of ADE.

#2: All the vaccines tested up to the time of the publication of this article failed to protect non-human primates from infection of the nasal passages. This is why the focus of vaccines has been on amelioration of the infection rather than prevention of the disease.

Haseltine, Willim A., The Risks of Rushing a COVID-19 Vaccine, Scientific American, June 22, 2020.

Emergency Authorization

Emergency authorization for the use of a treatment for a disease is only permissible if there is no effective treatment for a disease. This is why potential alternative treatments for Covid-19 such as hydroxychloraquine or vitamin D and zinc are attacked and rejected by many in the medical community, especially those who have close ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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Oral Health Tells a Lot About Overall Health

Our society tends to divorce oral health from overall health. Dentistry is considered a separate profession from other health professionals. This is unfortunate because the dentist is often one of the first professionals to see the development of health problems that will go on to produce lifelong nutritional problems. Dr. Olga Antonenko of Argentina found that deficiencies of vitamin D and calcium were common in young women which appeared to be contributing to tooth loss. There is an old saying, "A tooth with every child." This comes from the observation that the dental status of young women often deteriorates rapidly when they become pregnant. Antonenko found that intakes of these essential nutrients for tooth health was deficient even before pregnancy. She also found that intake of soft drinks was associated with tooth decay and tooth loss. The acid in soft drinks favors the growth of acid producing bacteria which can lead to tooth damage. Antonenko also believes that vitamin D is important not only for the absorption of calcium, but also in its role in the formation of an antimicrobial compound which keeps pathogens in check in the mouth. In this study 57% of the women were deficient in vitamin D. All of these women were also deficient in calcium. Deficiency of these nutrients early in life can increase the risk of broken bones and osteoporosis later in life. A simple solution to deficiency of these nutrients is to supplement with NeoLife Chelated Cal-Mag with 1,000 I.U. of vitamin D. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Low intake of vitamin C can also be related to increased risk of tooth decay and tooth loss. Loss of teeth was common during the age of sail when sailors developed scurvy. Vitamin C both improves immune function and also promotes the building of strong and healthy connective tissue. Since the half-life of vitamin C at higher levels of intake is only 30 minutes I usually recommend using NeoLife Super C and taking it at least twice a day, morning and evening. References: Dr. O. Antonenko, Oral Health in Young Women Having A Low Calcium and Vitamin D Nutritional Status. Clin Oral Investig. 2014 Oct 31. [Epub ahead of print] Vaananen, M.K., et al, Dental Caries and Mutans Streptococci in Relation to Plasma Ascorbic Acid, Scandinavian Journal of Dental Research, 1994;102:103-8.

 Vitamin D and Pain

     Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to produce pain so severe that even opioid derivatives did not provide relief. Most of the patients in this study were elderly. Vitamin D alleviated the pain syndrome within 5-7 days. If mom or pop are locked away in a care home and suffering a lot of pain it is worth giving them a supplement with vitamin D such as Cod Liver Oil or Chelated Cal-Mag. Vitamin D deficiency is very common in older people whose aged skin does not readily produce the vitamin. 

     Other studies have shown severe vitamin D deficiency in younger individuals with persistent, nonspecific pain in the muscles and skeleton. Many of those with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritic pain have also been shown to benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

     

References:

     Gloth, III, F. Michael, M.D., et al, Can Vitamin D Deficiency Produce an Unusual Pain Syndrome? Archives of Internal Medicine, August 1991;151:1662-1664.

     Plotnikoff GA, Quigley JM,, Prevalence of Severe Hypovitaminosis D in Patients With Persistent, Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain, Mayo Clin Proc, December 2003;78:1463-1470.

     Atherton K, Berry DJ, et al, Vitamin D and chronic widespread pain in a white middle-aged British population: evidence from a cross-sectional population survey, Ann Rheum Dis, 2009; 68(6): 817-22.

     Wepner F, Scheuer R, et al, Effects of vitamin D on patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized placebo-controlled trial, Pain, 2014 Feb; 155(2): 261-8. 

Vitamin D and Autism

     Some early research suggests that deficiency of vitamin D may play a role in the development of autism. This underscores the importance of adequate intake of all nutrients during pregnancy in order to prevent subtle as well as obvious birth defects.
     Researchers found three genes which are abnormally expressed in autism which are directly regulated by vitamin D. One of these genes relates to elevated blood serotonin and low levels of brain serotonin. A second gene could contribute to the low levels of the hormone oxytocin in autism. The hormone plays a role in socialization. The third gene plays a role in preventing autoimmunity.
     This is very early research but I thought it well worth bringing to the attention of those who have an interest in autism and nutrition.
Reference:
Blog on autism and vitamin D
Link to original article

Vitamin D and Children

     My mother gave her children cod liver oil to promote health and prevent disease. A recent study suggests that our mothers and grandmothers knew best. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of vitamins A and D and omega-3 fatty acids. A recent study found that 10% of children were vitamin D deficient and an additional 47% had insufficient levels of vitamin D.
     The vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased risk of diarrhea with vomiting and ear infections in school age children. Vitamin D has been shown to active a portion of the immune system which produces an anti-microbial peptide. Vitamin D has also been shown to control structures called "tight junctions" in the gut providing protection against absorption of allergens and defense against microbial invaders.
Reference:
Abstract of the article.

Vitamin D, Diabetes, and Blood Pressure

    An analysis of 6 studies found a strong association between blood levels of vitamin D and the development of gestational diabetes. Five of the studies showed a clear inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and blood sugar stability. The sixth study found a relationship between higher vitamin D levels and lower blood sugar and insulin levels.
     Gestational diabetes may increase the likelihood for children to develop obesity and diabetes later in life. A little vitamin D supplementation is a cheap price to pay for healthier children. GNLD provides a substantial amount of vitamin D in the Chelated Cal-Mag tablets.
    A study in Denmark recently demonstrated that an intake of 3,000 IU of vitamin D for 20 weeks significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The investigators suggested further research on their finding. High blood pressure can cause stroke and damage to the circulatory system.
Reference:
Senti J, Thiele DK, et al, Maternal vitamin d status as a critical determinant in gestational diabetes, J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs, 2012 May; [Epub ahead of print].
Larsen T, Mose FH, et al, Effect of Cholecalciferol Supplementation During Winter Months in Patients With Hypertension: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Am J Hypertension, 2012 Aug 2; [Epub ahead of print].

Schizophrenia and Vitamin D

     Researchers have suggested that deficiency of vitamin D during pregnancy may alter fetal development through an epigenetic mechanism leading to an increased risk of schizophrenia later on.
Schizophrenia is more common among those born in late winter and early spring when vitamin D levels of the mother tend to be lowest. At the equator schizophrenia is most common among those born after the rainy season when less sunlight is available. Children of dark-skinned migrants who move to cold climates also have greater risk of schizophrenia. Dark skin increases risk of vitamin D deficiency. Schizophrenia is also more common in cities than in rural areas.
Reference:
Mackay-Sim A, Feron F, et al, Schizophrenia, Vitamin D, and Brain Development, Int Rev Neurobiol, 2004;59:351-380.