Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease commonly recognized by its two hallmark symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. It often coexists with other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Sjögren’s, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands (eyes, mouth) are typically affected first, leading to reduced tear and saliva production. Though it can develop at any age, most people are over 40 at diagnosis; the condition is far more common in women.

It may be wise in Sjögren’s syndrome to keep an eye on vitamin D levels. Patients often show lower 25(OH)D levels compared to healthy controls[1].

A study from 2012 involving 176 Sjögren’s patients and 163 matched controls found that lower vitamin D levels were associated with peripheral neuropathy and lymphoma in the Sjögren’s group[3]. Subsequent research has echoed and expanded on that finding[4][5].

  1. . 2023 Jan 18;15(3):497. Vitamin D and Sjögren’s Disease: Revealing the Connections—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  2. . 2022 Mar 31;33(1):106–108. Vitamin D Deficiency in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: Association with Clinical Manifestations and Immune Activation Markers
  3. Journal of Autoimmunity (Volume 39, Issue 3, September 2012, Pages 234-239) Low levels of vitamin-D are associated with neuropathy and lymphoma among patients with Sjögren’s syndrome
  4. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2023 Sjögren’s syndrome: one year in review 2023
  5. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases EULAR recommendations for the management of Sjögren’s syndrome with topical and systemic therapies