This Vitamin Reverses GLAUCOMA

Dr. Eric Berg 07/08/2024

Let’s talk about vitamin D for glaucoma. Research on this topic is limited, so we’re sharing insights that may be beneficial for those seeking alternative approaches.

If you or someone you know has glaucoma, this information may be helpful. Remember to always consult with your doctor before changing any part of your healthcare routine.

Could Glaucoma Be An Autoimmune Condition?

Glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased pressure inside the eyeball, can damage the optic nerve. This damage may diminish vision and potentially lead to blindness. For some individuals, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness.

While natural remedies for glaucoma are limited, emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D shows promise as a potential treatment option.

A 2014 Korean study of over 6,000 participants, known as the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study, revealed a significant link between low vitamin D levels and the occurrence of open-angle glaucoma.

The study, conducted at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, a university hospital in South Korea, found that individuals with glaucoma were three times more susceptible to issues related to vitamin D receptors.

This suggests that glaucoma may be an autoimmune disease influenced by vitamin D levels.

Notebook with words autoimmune disorders

Vitamin D and Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This immune system malfunction causes inflammation and potential damage to various body parts, including the eyes in cases of glaucoma.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role as an immune modulator. It helps to suppress an overactive immune response, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune attacks.

Vitamin D deficiency or resistance can hinder the immune system’s regulation, exacerbating autoimmune conditions.

When the body doesn't utilize vitamin D effectively, the immune system may remain in a state of overreaction, further disrupting the body's delicate balance.

This makes it important to understand how much vitamin D is sufficient for individuals, particularly those with autoimmune conditions.

How Much Vitamin D Is Enough?

According to conventional medical standards, vitamin D levels below 20 nanograms per milliliter are generally considered deficient.

However, some healthcare professionals recommend a significantly higher optimal range of 100 to 150 nanograms per milliliter when addressing autoimmune diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration.

The discrepancy in recommendations stems from how initial vitamin D requirements were determined. Older recommendations focused on preventing conditions like rickets, a bone-softening disease, or maintaining basic bone health.

These conditions may require lower vitamin D levels compared to autoimmune diseases.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Taking high doses of vitamin D has raised concerns about potential health risks, particularly the risk of calcium buildup in the blood (hypercalcemia) or arteries.

To mitigate these risks, avoiding calcium supplementation and limiting the intake of calcium-rich foods while taking high doses of vitamin D is essential.

Adequate hydration is crucial, with a recommended intake of at least two and a half liters of fluids per day.

Additionally, incorporating sufficient vitamin K2, a nutrient that helps direct calcium towards bones and prevents it from depositing in soft tissues, can further minimize risks.

A typical recommendation is 100 micrograms of vitamin K2 for every 10,000 IU of vitamin D3, but it’s important to consult with your doctor for personalized advice.

Magnesium also plays a vital role in calcium regulation, with a recommended daily intake of around 600 milligrams.

How to Incorporate Vitamin D

There are several ways to incorporate vitamin D into your routine, from sunlight exposure to diet and supplementation.

Woman feeling energized

Sunlight

Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D. The amount of sunlight exposure needed to produce sufficient vitamin D varies depending on factors such as skin pigmentation, latitude, and time of year.

Foods Containing Vitamin D

Including foods rich in vitamin D in your diet can help increase your intake.

Foods Fortified with Vitamin D

Many food manufacturers fortify their products with vitamin D to enhance their nutritional value.

Supplementation

In some cases, dietary intake and sunlight exposure may not be sufficient to achieve optimal vitamin D levels. Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).

Vitamin D3 is the more potent form and is generally recommended for supplementation. The appropriate dosage of vitamin D supplements varies depending on individual needs and should be determined in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

While more research is needed regarding the relationship between vitamin D and glaucoma, early studies suggest a potential link. It appears that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the development or progression of autoimmune diseases, and potentially glaucoma.

Always consult with your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially high doses of vitamin D. While supplementing can be beneficial, focus on incorporating vitamin D-rich foods as part of a well-balanced diet to support your overall health.