The importance of vitamin D and omega-3 PUFA supplementation: a nonpharmacologic immunomodulation strategy to halt autoimmunity

M. Infante, A. Fabbri, D. Della-Morte, C. Ricordi

Cell Transplant Center, Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA. marco.infante@unicamillus.org

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• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Nutrition

The large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial VITAL (Vitamin D and omega 3 trial) recently confirmed that vitamin D and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) co-supplementation (VIDOM) can reduce the incidence of autoimmune diseases. Based on these relevant results, this commentary summarizes the molecular mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D and omega-3 PUFAs. We also describe the potential bidirectional interplay between vitamin D metabolism and omega-3 PUFA metabolism that underlies the rationale for VIDOM co-supplementation and that may contribute to enhance the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D and omega-3 PUFAs when these compounds are administered in combination.

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