Tag: Group a streptococcus

Rheumatic fever is a severe autoimmune reaction triggered by an untreated Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection, not a vitamin deficiency. However, recent observational studies have identified an association between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk or severity of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), suggesting that optimal nutrition, including sufficient vitamin D, supports a healthy immune response.

While food is not the direct cause of a strep throat infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that food can, in rare cases, become a vector for the bacteria, especially if mishandled. This addresses the common misconception about **what foods cause strep**, shifting the focus from diet to proper hygiene and food handling to prevent transmission.