This study investigates low vitamin D levels in U.S. Marines and Navy Sailors diagnosed with multi-symptom illnesses after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Researchers analyzed serum 25(OH)D3 levels in 117 service members to determine associations with age and deployment history.
Findings indicate:
100% of deployed Navy Sailors had below-normal vitamin D levels, compared to 33% of non-deployed personnel.
Younger Marines (20–31 years) had significantly lower vitamin D levels than older Marines (32–56 years).
Vitamin D deficiency was linked to immune dysregulation and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in these service members.
The study suggests routine vitamin D screening and supplementation for deployed military personnel to prevent chronic multi-symptom illnesses.
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