Preventing Autoimmune Disease: Can Supplements Get the Job Done?

Authors:
Rileigh Provenza, PharmD
Nicole Slater, PharmD, BCACP

Reviewers:
Dustin (DJ) Clark, PharmD, BCACP
Kathyrn (Katie) Kiser, PharmD, BCACP

Citation:
Hahn J, Cook NR, Alexander EK, et al. Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 2022;376:e066452.

The Problem

Imagine waking up one day with incredibly stiff and painful joints, fatigue so crippling that getting out of bed feels like the hardest thing you’ve ever done.  And then being dismissed after running from doctor to doctor because your “normal” blood work shows nothing.  And not being able to lean on family or friends for support because they just think you’re exaggerating. That’s how it feels to live with an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, where you take on a new identity you didn’t see coming and become part of a club you never knew existed. Now imagine seeing a variety of specialists with high-dollar copays, trying different medications with very frightening side effect profiles, only to find out that your insurance doesn’t cover any of them. And if they do, you develop odd symptoms that might be a side effect of the medication but perhaps are caused by the disease. You’re trying to reduce stress and get more sleep because those things are good for you, all while working a full-time job, taking care of your young children, and managing your household. It’s not just about being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it’s about trying to find a new normal because it’s incurable.

Unfortunately, there are no safe, effective, and inexpensive therapies that can prevent or reduce the risk of developing autoimmune diseases. But any strategy that could reduce the chances of developing an autoimmune disorder would be welcomed by practitioners and patients alike.