Vitamin D improves the response to steriods in asthmatics
Patients with asthma experience a variable response to inhaled corticosteroids.
Researchers from National Jewish Health, in Denver, Colorado studied the effect of vitamin D levels on this response.
First, the details.
- 54 nonsmoking adult asthmatics were studied.
- The relationships between 25(OH)D (vitamin D) concentrations and lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness, and response to inhaled steroids were measured.
And, the results.
- Higher vitamin D levels were significantly associated with greater lung function, with a 21 mL increase in FEV1 for each ng/mL increase in vitamin D.
- FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second) is the volume of air forced out of the lungs in 1 second after taking a deep breath. It’s an important measure of lung function.
- Vitamin D insufficiency (less then 30 ng/mL) was associated with increased airway responsiveness (hypersensitivity to irritants).
The bottom line?
Low vitamin D levels were associated with impaired lung function, increased airway hyperresponsiveness, and reduced glucocorticoid response.
The authors concluded, “Supplementation of vitamin D levels in patients with asthma may improve multiple parameters of asthma severity and treatment response.”
Talk to your doctor.
1/31/10 10:52 JR
