The Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency on Susceptibility to Parasitic Infections: A Review

Abstract

Vitamin D is one of the most important vital elements in regulating the immune system in the human body. This vitamin can support the body in confronting pathogenic agents. On the other hand, a deficiency of this vitamin makes the immune response to pathogenic agents low, and the incidence of parasitic diseases increases, especially in areas whose population suffers from malnutrition and poor health services. Vitamin D increases immune activity by regulating the work of immune system cells, lymphocytes such as macrophages and dendritic cells, where immune defense mechanisms depend mainly on these cells against pathogens. Many recent studies have indicated that there is a relationship between low vitamin D and infection with some parasites, including the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which causes toxoplasmosis, and the leishmaniasis parasite, which causes cutaneous leishmaniasis. This review indicates, through its presentation of sources, that vitamin D deficiency affects the immune response and weakens the body’s ability to defend and get rid of parasites, which leads to their development within it. Understanding the relationship between low levels of vitamin D and susceptibility to parasitic infection in a deeper way is an important step in scientific research because it can help devise new methods of prevention and treatment, aiming to strengthen immunity and reduce the spread of parasitic diseases.