Vitamin D Levels and Asthma Severity

A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care Medicine (January 14, 2010; e-published ahead of print) found a clear relationship between vitamin D status and asthma severity. The study evaluated 54 nonsmoking adults with asthma, measuring vitamin D levels, lung function, and airway responsiveness.

Researchers found that:

  • Low vitamin D levels were associated with more impaired lung function.

  • Individuals with low vitamin D were also less responsive to glucocorticoid treatment, a common therapy for asthma.

  • Those with adequate vitamin D had better airway responsiveness and overall improved lung performance.

These findings suggest that vitamin D status may be an important factor in asthma management and symptom severity.