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Vitamin D and Arthritis
Studies have shown that greater intake of vitamin D may be associated with a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder frequently seen in lupus patients.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium which is essential for normal bone formation. Lack of calcium adversely affects bone tissues and may even lead to osteoporosis.
The body makes vitamin D when the skin is directly exposed to the sun, hence the reference to vitamin D as the "sunshine" vitamin. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine three times a week is sufficient to produce the body's vitamin D requirement. Unfortunately, most lupus patients are photosensitive and sun exposure may not be an option as a source for vitamin D . Alternatively, vitamin D supplements may be recommended by their doctors.
For more on vitamin D and vitamin D supplements, click HERE.
Also, read a related article, "Here Comes the Sun," from LFNC eNewsletter of 6/28/10.
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New Genetic Risk Factors for Lupus Found in African American Women
Scientists have found four new genetic variants in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) that confer a higher risk of systemic lupus erythemathosus (lupus) in African- American women. African-American women are 3 times more likely to get lupus than white women, and they tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more severe symptoms. Read MORE.
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The LFNC Office has moved its physical and mailing address. Our new address is: 2635 N. First Street, Suite 211, San Jose, CA 95134. Email as well as phone and fax numbers remain the same.
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LUPUS FOUNDATION OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
