Title:Vitamin D Supplementation in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Current Perspective
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Author(s): Shilia Jacob Kurian, Sonal Sekhar Miraj*, Ruby Benson, Murali Munisamy, Kavitha Saravu, Gabriel Sunil Rodrigues and Mahadev Rao*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka-576104,India
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka-576104,India
Keywords:
Diabetic foot ulcer, vitamin D, peripheral vascular disease, wound healing, immunity, foot infection.
Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, as
it can physically and emotionally impact the person. Its management can be challenging and expensive,
depending on the severity of the wound and the presence of infection.
Background: The fat-soluble molecule, vitamin D, has gained great importance ever since its
pleiotropism has been recognized. Its efficacy could be attributed to the presence of vitamin D receptors
in most of the body tissues. Vitamin D plays a significant role in cell proliferation, differentiation,
and immune modulation. It modulates the T and B cells resulting in the suppression of the
immunoglobulins, autoimmunity, and inflammation.
Methods: We performed a literature search with the objective to highlight the role of vitamin D in
peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy, which are the major risk factors for DFU, as
well as evidences of its role in wound healing and management of DFU.
Results: Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that vitamin D influences multiple phases of
wound healing and thereby accelerates the process. It modulates various cells involved in proliferation
and remodelling phases. Vitamin D also enhances the expression of antimicrobial peptides that
help to eliminate the microbes, as well as suppress the proinflammatory responses while enhancing
the anti-inflammatory responses.
Conclusion: This review concludes vitamin D to have a protective role in the immune and vascular
system, improve glycaemic outcomes, and wound healing. Therefore, vitamin D could be a preferred
adjuvant in the management of DFU.
