Getting natural sunlight helps increase vitamin D levels

Getting natural sunlight helps increase vitamin D levels

Sjogren’s (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disease identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. It often accompanies other immune-system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjogren’s syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased production of tears and saliva. Although Sjogren’s syndrome can develop at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. The condition is much more common in women.  

A study that appeared in the Journal of Autoimmunity (Volume 39, Issue 3, September 2012, Pages 234-239) looked at vitamin D levels in 176 patients with Sjogren’s syndrome and 163 healthy controls. The researchers found an association between peripheral neuropathy and lymphoma and low vitamin D levels in the patients with Sjogren’s syndrome