Laboratory-grown gingival cells treated with vitamin D boosted their production of an endogenous antibiotic, and killed more bacteria than untreated cells

The research suggests that vitamin D can help protect the gums from bacterial infections that lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis affects up to 50% of the US population, is a major cause of tooth loss, and can also contribute to heart disease. Previous research shows that vitamin D could stimulate white blood cells to produce natural proteins that have antibiotic activity.