Study Links Vitamin D Deficiency to Chronic Inflammation

Researchers find low vitamin D levels may increase inflammatory markers, but correcting deficiency could help reduce inflammation.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology has found a direct link between low levels of vitamin D and high levels of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation. Researchers examined genetic data from nearly 300,000 participants and determined that vitamin D deficiency causes inflammation, rather than the other way around. The study suggests that correcting vitamin D deficiency could help reduce inflammation and potentially mitigate the risk of chronic illnesses with inflammatory components.

Why it matters

Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for many serious health conditions, from heart disease to poor sleep. This research provides an important biomarker to identify those at higher risk of developing inflammation-related illnesses and suggests that addressing vitamin D deficiency could be a simple way to help reduce inflammation and promote healthier aging.

The details

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of South Australia, looked at the genetic data of 294,970 participants of White-British ancestry from the U.K. Biobank. They found that individuals with low vitamin D concentrations had elevated levels of C-reactive protein, indicating higher inflammation. Importantly, the researchers found no evidence that C-reactive protein levels impacted vitamin D concentrations, suggesting that low vitamin D is the cause of increased inflammation, not the other way around.

  • The study was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 2023.

The players

University of South Australia

The institution where the researchers who conducted the study are based.

U.K. Biobank

A large-scale biomedical database and research resource that the researchers used to examine genetic data from nearly 300,000 participants.

Jackie Newgent, R.D.N, C.D.N.

A registered dietitian nutritionist based in Los Angeles who provided expert commentary on the study's findings.

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What they’re saying

“When you don't get enough vitamin D, it may result in higher levels of C-reactive protein, which is an indicator of inflammation.”

— Jackie Newgent, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (prevention.com)

“This study adds to the body of evidence that Vitamin D is vital for good health; however, it doesn't mean that simply popping a Vitamin D supplement will be a definitive way to prevent inflammation.”

— Jackie Newgent, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (prevention.com)

What’s next

The researchers note that this study only looked at people with White-British ancestry, so further research is needed to see if the findings apply to the general population. Additionally, the study focused on C-reactive protein as an inflammatory marker, but investigating other biomarkers could provide a more detailed understanding of the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin D.

The takeaway

This research suggests that addressing vitamin D deficiency, which affects about 35% of American adults, could be an important step in reducing chronic inflammation and promoting healthier aging. Increasing vitamin D intake through sun exposure, vitamin D-rich foods, and potentially supplements may help mitigate the risk of inflammation-related chronic illnesses.