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Evidence for the role of inadequate vitamin D in asthma severity among children

Lauren E Staple1, Stephen J Teach

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.

Journal of Investigative Medicine : the Official Publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
|August 2, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Low vitamin D levels are common in children with asthma, but more research is needed to confirm if vitamin D deficiency causes increased asthma severity. Clinical trials are required to establish a causal link.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Nutritional Science
  • Respiratory Health

Background:

  • Asthma is a leading chronic illness in US children, disproportionately affecting minority and underserved groups.
  • Vitamin D deficiency (hypovitaminosis D) is widespread globally.
  • Shared risk factors link asthma and vitamin D deficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the relationship between vitamin D levels and asthma severity in children.
  • To review existing evidence on the correlation between vitamin D and pediatric asthma.

Main Methods:

  • Review of observational studies investigating asthma and vitamin D levels.
  • Analysis of the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in relation to asthma.

Main Results:

  • Observational studies indicate a correlation between lower vitamin D levels and increased asthma severity.
  • Causal evidence linking vitamin D deficiency to asthma morbidity is currently lacking.

Conclusions:

  • While a correlation exists, the direct role of vitamin D deficiency in pediatric asthma morbidity remains uncertain.
  • Further clinical trials are necessary to determine if vitamin D supplementation can impact asthma outcomes in children.

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