Measuring and, if need be, boosting vitamin D levels could help manage asthma attacks, according to new research published in the journal Allergy.
The study, conducted by Dr Ronit Confino-Cohen and colleagues at Tel Aviv University analysed data from more than four million Israeli’s that are members of the nations largest healthcare provider – finding that of the 21,000 with asthma, those with a vitamin D deficiency were 25% more likely than other asthmatics to have had at least one flare-up in the recent past.
"Vitamin D has significant immunomodulatory effects and, as such, was believed to have an effect on asthma — an immunologically mediated disease," said Confino-Cohen. "But most of the existing data regarding vitamin D and asthma came from the pediatric population and was inconsistent. Our present study is unique because the study population of young adults is very large and 'uncontaminated' by other diseases."
She added that the study findings add further weight evidence of a link between vitamin D and asthma, “suggesting beneficial effects of vitamin D on asthma exacerbations."
"Increasing vitamin D levels is something we can easily do to improve patients' quality of life,” she commented.
Study details
Confino-Cohen and her team of researchers drew on the records of millions of patients and used physician diagnoses, rather than self-reports, for evidence of asthma episodes.
The team analysed vitamin D levels of 307,900 people, taking in to account key predictors of asthma, such as obesity, smoking, and other chronic diseases.
Of the 21,000 asthmatics studied, the team reported that those with vitamin D deficiency were at a higher risk of an asthma attack.
While most of the vitamin D in people's bodies comes from exposure to the sun, the team noted that due to the dangers of overexposure to the sun, dermatologists recommend obtaining the essential vitamin from other sources — including fish, eggs, cod liver oil, fortified milk, or a dietary supplement.
Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that people whose asthma cannot be controlled with existing treatments have their vitamin D levels tested, and for those with a vitamin D deficiency measures are taken to restore levels.
"We expect that further prospective studies will support our results,” said Confino-Cohen.
“In the meantime, our results support a recommendation for screening of vitamin D levels in the subgroup of asthma patients who experience recurrent exacerbations,” she commented.
“In those with vitamin D deficiency, supplementation may be necessary."
Source: Allergy
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1111/all.12508
“Vitamin D, asthma prevalence and asthma exacerbations: a large adult population-based study”
Authors: R. Confino-Cohen, et al