--that is starting to be investigated as regards the high autoimmune rate for those who live at higher latitudes--both Northern and Hemisphere--is the link with low Vitamin D levels. In fact, it is speculated that a number of the mutations that have occurred among Northern Europeans--lighter skin, ability to digest lactose into adulthood--may well be evolutionarily related to the need to maximize Vitamin D3 status.

Over at Braintalk, Ted Hutchinson has been compiling an enormous database of material on Vitamin D and its link to other conditions, including cancer. The material is well worth reading.

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...ad.php?t=24731

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...ead.php?t=2822