Vitamin D supplementation may improve asthma control by blocking the cascade of inflammation-causing proteins in the lung as well as increasing production of the protein interleukin-10, which has anti-inflammatory effects says new Study
New reports reflect that the September issue of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reported that a recent review on literature of over five decades on the relationship of vitamin D and asthma. The evidence appears to suggest that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with lower functioning of the lungs and worse asthma control. Vitamin D deficiency can be quite common and in some studies it has been estimated to be present in more than one third of children and adolescents in the US. Vitamin D deficiency is more common in westernized countries, in obese individuals and in those of African American ethnicity.
Researchers reviewed nearly 60 years’ worth of literature on vitamin D status and asthma. They found that vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased airway reactivity, lower lung functions, and worse asthma control. Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency include obesity, being African-American, and living in Westernized countries, the researchers report. These are also populations known to be at higher risk for developing asthma.
Vitamin D supplementation may improve asthma control by blocking the cascade of inflammation-causing proteins in the lung, as well as increasing production of the protein interleukin-10, which has anti-inflammatory effects, the study authors suggest.
Vitamin D is often called “the sunshine vitamin” because our bodies make it when we are exposed to sunlight. Food sources include fish, eggs, and dairy products. It is also added to multivitamins and milk.
“The biggest issue is whether or not vitamin deficiency can be related to a worsening of asthma, and all the studies have been single-point in time studies, and the concern is that depending on where you live, you can be vitamin D-deficient in the winter, but not in the summer,” says Thomas B. Casale, MD, a professor of medicine and the chair of allergy and immunology at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. “We know that asthma gets worse in winter, when vitamin D is down,” he says.
According to the report, it is essential to have a dialogue with your asthma specialist or health care practitioner regarding the right medications to keep your asthma under control and avoid triggers. I have found an asthma action plan is a good way for you to be actively involved in fostering a “team” approach in controlling asthma symptoms. Remember, it is important to always discuss the use of supplements and vitamins (such as vitamin D) with your asthma doctor or allergist. It is not designed to replace your asthma treatment but may have a role in complementing your existing treatment of this condition.
What is the right decision for a patient with asthma when it comes to vitamin D? Well it all depends; previous studies have not yet looked at what the benefit of taking vitamin D would have in those with asthma. Longer term research will be necessary to determine the appropriate role of this vitamin going forward although it appears that having a deficiency of vitamin D can possibly lead to worsening asthma.
The level of vitamin can help in determining whether indeed you are getting an adequate amount from your diet and/or exposure to sunlight. The levels can vary depending on seasonal factors such as winter-spring vs. summer-fall, when levels are usually higher. So ask your doctor about a vitamin D blood test to see what your level of this valuable vitamin is so you can best determine with their assistance whether a supplement is necessary for you or a family member. What is your current intake of vitamin D rich foods, such as diary products like milk and cheese, and fortified foods like cereals?