A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (July 2010; v.126, p.52) found children with low levels of vitamin D in their blood may have a greater risk of severe asthma symptoms than those with high levels of the vitamin, although the risk of moderate asthma symptoms didn’t vary. This study supports other studies showing a relationship between low vitamin D levels and asthma in inner city children (Journal of Pediatrics June 2010; v.156, p.948)  as well as adults (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine April 1, 2010; v.181, p.699). And University of Pennsylvania researchers presented evidence at the American Thoracic Society’s 2009 International Conference that vitamin D may slow the progressive lung damage caused by inflammation called airway remodeling. Although these relationships exist, there’s currently no evidence that taking vitamin D will prevent asthma attacks.

Reviewed by Bradley Chipps, MD, and Neil MacIntyre, MD

First published in Allergy & Asthma Today,  Fall 2010, Volume 8, Issue 3

Related posts:

1. Can Nitric Oxide Predict Asthma?
2. News 2 Use – Pregnant? Go Mediterranean!
3. Performance Nutrition: Power to Win