I know this is a controversial and unresolved topic, but I wanted to share an article that demonstrates how Vitamin D is crucial to inhibiting certain inflammatory pathways and cytokines including TNF-alpha and interleukin-6.
I remember back when I was very sick with UC, I had my TNF-alpha levels checked, and they were always normal. Perhaps this was at least part of the reason why Remicade never worked for me, as TNF-alpha was seemingly not driving my UC. However, I also had my interleukin-6 tested, and the levels were several times higher than the normal values. Although interleukin-6 may be a non-specific marker, I do find it interesting that I have not suffered from pouchitis or cuffitis since I started taking much larger doses of Vitamin D and getting my blood levels higher. Of course one needs to monitor the Vitamin D levels to make sure they don't go too high.
I know there are many patients who have reported that their Vitamin D levels are within normal range and yet their disease is still very active. This *may* be because the disease in those patients is mediated through more and/or different inflammatory pathways.
Anyways, these were just some of my thoughts that I wanted to extend to all of you for further discussion or reflection.
Here's the article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/re.../02/120223103920.htm
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