Vitamin D supplementation attenuates acute inflammatory response

This study evaluated the effects of daily vitamin D supplementation on the acute inflammatory response in experimental model by different phlogistic agents: carrageenan, prostaglandin and dextran. Animals (rats) orally received (gavage) a single dose of vitamin D or daily supplementation for 7, 15 or 30 days prior to paw edema induced. Vitamin D supplementation for 15 and 30 days significantly reduced the carrageenan-induced inflammatory process, which could be at least partially explained by the reduction of tumor necrosis factor α levels (TNFα). Results indicate that vitamin D supplementation may be a useful therapeutic adjuvant for controlling the acute inflammatory process.