The role of Vitamin D in determining risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis [ 2012 - 2015 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Justine Ellis (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Stephen Leslie ,  Dr Jane Munro ,  Prof Anne-Louise Ponsonby ,  Prof Terry Dwyer

Brief description Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs in up to 1/250 Australian children. Growing evidence suggests that low vitamin D increases risk of autoimmune disease, yet no-one has looked at its effect on JIA. We will compare vitamin D in blood, and also exposure to sun through life, between children with and without JIA. We will also look to see if vitamin D interacts with autoimmune disease risk genes. The outcomes of this study will help to inform policy on the importance of sun exposure to health.

Funding Amount $AUD 586,485.81

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant