Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 10, 2026 2 hours, 2 minutes ago
Medical News: Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide, yet many patients and even clinicians may overlook one important contributor to worsening symptoms: hidden deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. A new scientific review sheds light on how common micronutrient shortages can quietly disrupt the immune system and aggravate autoimmune conditions.
New research reveals how vitamin and mineral deficiencies may quietly worsen autoimmune diseases by
disrupting immune balance.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases in Simple Terms
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune thyroid disease, and inflammatory bowel disease fall under this category. These illnesses are often long lasting and marked by ongoing inflammation, fatigue, pain, and organ damage.
While genes and environmental triggers are well known risk factors, researchers now emphasize that nutrition plays a much larger role than previously assumed.
Why Micronutrients Matter
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that the body needs in small amounts but relies on for critical functions. According to this
Medical News report, deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, and iron are especially common in people with autoimmune diseases.
The review explains that even mild shortages can disturb immune balance. These nutrients help immune cells grow, communicate, and know when to switch off. When levels drop, inflammation can spiral out of control, worsening disease activity and symptoms.
Vitamin D and Immune Balance
Vitamin D stood out as a key immune regulator. Researchers found that low vitamin D levels are linked to higher disease activity in conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Vitamin D helps calm aggressive immune cells while supporting protective ones, reducing harmful inflammation. Deficiency has also been associated with higher autoantibody levels in autoimmune thyroid disorders.
The Overlooked Role of Iron and Folate
Iron and folate deficiencies were frequently reported across autoimmune conditions. Chronic inflammation can block iron absorption, leading to anemia, fatigue, and reduced immune strength. Folate, meanwhile, is essential for DNA repair and immune cell production. Low folate levels may increase inflammatory stress and worsen symptoms, especially in patients with gut-related autoimmune diseases.
Vitamin B12 and Nerve Health
Vitamin B12 deficiency was another major concern. B12 supports nerve function, brain health, and immune regulation. In diseases like multiple sclerosis and autoimmune thyroid disorders, low B12 levels were linked to nerve damage, fatigue, and impaired immune responses.
Who Conducted the Research
The
researchers were from several leading Italian institutions, including Tor Vergata University Hospital in Rome, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele in Milan, the University of Turin, the University of Cagliari, Sapienza University of Rome, the University of Naples Federico II, and Santa Maria della Speranza Hospital in Salerno.
Conclusions
The findings strongly suggest that micronutrient deficiencies are not just side issues but active drivers of autoimmune disease progression. Regular screening and personalized supplementation could help reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and support long-term immune balance when used alongside standard medical treatments.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/4/561
For the latest on autoimmune disease or condition, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/supplements
Share
Tweet
Share
