Autoimmune disease prevention

A hypothetical category of primary prevention of autoimmune disease in healthy individuals without a confirmed diagnosis. International guidelines do not recognise this as a standalone clinical indication. Dedicated RCTs have tested vitamin D and omega-3 for this purpose with mixed results.

1 drug

Also known as: Primary prevention of autoimmune diseases

Drugs used for this condition

DCholecalciferolCase-by-case decision · Vitamins. Regulator of calcium-phosphorus metabolismThe VITAL trial (BMJ 2022) showed a 22% reduction in autoimmune disease incidence in adults 50+ after 5 years of vitamin D 2,000 IU daily. The finding comes from a single cohort, has not been reproduced in other RCTs, and the effect accrues over years. International rheumatology societies do not recommend vitamin D as primary prevention of autoimmune disease.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit