Vitamin D Shows Improved Immune Response By: Amy Wermuth A paper released this month states that gingival cells grown in a laboratory treated with vitamin D increased their production of an endogenous antibiotic, and killed more bacteria than untreated cells. The research maintains that vitamin D can help shield the gums from bacterial infections that lead to oral infections and problems such as periodontitis and gingivitis Nearly 50% of US citizens are effected by periodontitis which is chiefly responsible for tooth loss and is associated with heart disease. Interestingly enough, most US citizens are lacking proper levels of vitamin D. This is the time for you to take a closer look at your vitamin D intake and your oral health. Wait, there’s more. Another lab study has recently showed that vitamin D may stimulate white blood cells to produce natural proteins (namely LL-37) that have antibiotic behaviors. In this study, a dental school in New Jersey shows that vitamin D could even stimulate lung cells to produce LL-37, and kill additional bacteria. This suggests that vitamin D may aid cystic fibrosis patients. Alas, in the new research, also showed that vitamin D has the equal effect on gingival cells. This study found that vitamin D also stimulates gingival cells to produce TREM-1 (another largely unstudied protein), which however was thought to be produced by white blood cells. Lastly, the study maintains that it increases production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The new vitamin D research also showed that vitamin D works to promote expression of several genes not until that time considered to be part of the vitamin D pathway. Those genes are stated to enhance infection fighting pathways. Interestingly, Diamond also found that lung and gum cells appear to have the ability to activate inactive forms of vitamin D, says Diamond. "This means that we may even be able to use vitamin D therapy topically, if that proves true." Vitamin D has become a hot topic of research in recent times. If you look into it online, you will see vitamin D news related stories everywhere. In addition to infectious diseases, studies say that it has shielding effects against autoimmune health conditions. If these new positive studies do not cause you to take a closer look at taking vitamin D, what will? Vitamin D deficiency in the US can easily be combated by taking a quality vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D could be as effective as antibiotics and if you are against antibiotics, you know exactly what we are talking about here. Other compelling vitamin news articles and blog entries: January 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Best Supplements for a Healthy Heart Natural Skin Care by Xtend Life December 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog The Best Natural Nutrients for Pain Relief November 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog How we eat is just as important as what we eat October 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Breast Cancer and Vitamins - what do the studies indicate? July 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Study shows vitamin D to aid in muscle and joint pain experienced by breast cancer patients June 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin D Shows Increased Immune Response May 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin D Levels Impact Infant RSV April 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog New Study Shows Promise in Fight Against Youth Fatty Liver Disease March 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin B Linked to Reduction of PMS Symptoms February 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Pecans Contribute to Heart Health and Disease Prevention January 2011 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Vitamin Supplemented Drinks - Are They As Healthy As We Think? December 2010 BestMultiVitamins.net Blog Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency Debated November 2010 BestMultiVitamins.net Vitamin Blog New Study Reports Vitamin B3 Breakthrough for curing Fungal Infections Gearing Up for  a Healthy Holiday 2010 Season October 2010 BestMultiVitamins.net Vitamin Blog The Importance of Vitamins for Women