Protective effects of vitamin D against injury in intestinal epithelium

This preclinical study demonstrates that vitamin D protects intestinal epithelial cells from LPS-induced injury by restoring tight junction proteins (ZO-1, claudin-2), reducing permeability, and decreasing inflammatory cytokines. Using both cell culture and organoid models, the research supports vitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing acute intestinal injury in at-risk infants.