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Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Vitamin D Status and Neonatal Respiratory Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Risk and Intervention
Juan Le1, Jiaqing Geng2, Shuo Li1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430060, P. R. China.
Context:
Vitamin D (VD) is integral to lung maturation and immune regulation, yet its association with neonatal respiratory diseases remains debated.
Objectives:
This study aimed to clarify the association between vitamin D (VD) status and neonatal respiratory diseases, to quantify the risk posed by VD deficiency (VDD), and to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of VD supplementation.
Data Sources:
A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and other major databases for studies published up to October 1, 2025.
Data Extraction:
Following the PRISMA guidelines, 2 reviewers independently screened the studies, extracted data, and assessed its quality. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included.
Data Analysis:
Thirty-one studies (23 observational, 8 RCTs) involving over 3000 neonates were analyzed using a random-effects meta-analysis. Neonates with respiratory disease exhibited significantly lower 25(OH)D levels (standardized mean difference, SMD = -0.66; 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.41). Vitamin D deficiency was associated with an increased risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.55-4.24); however, this association was attenuated after adjusting for publication bias. Vitamin D supplementation effectively restored VD status (SMD = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.70-3.89) and may reduce morbidity, particularly with higher doses (800-1000 IU/day) or maternal administration.
Conclusions:
Vitamin D deficiency represents a significant risk marker, but its role as an independent causal factor may be overestimated. Supplementation, particularly with higher doses or maternal administration, is a feasible adjunct strategy, but high-quality RCTs are imperative for establishing definitive intervention protocols.
Systematic Review Registration:
PROSPERO registration No. CRD420251152942.
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