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Low vitamin D levels linked to increased asthma symptoms in children

Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

Vitamin D deficiency in children who suffer from asthma may cause lower lung function and greater use of medication, according to a recent study.

A team of researchers from National Jewish Health analyzed the medical records of 100 pediatric asthma patients and found that 47 percent of children suffered from vitamin D deficiencies. The records also found that patients with low levels of the vitamin had higher levels of IgE, which is a marker of asthma.

The physicians concluded from the records that are two possible explanations.

Donald Leung, lead author and a physician at National Jewish Health, stated that "it could be that lower vitamin D levels contribute to increasing asthma severity, which requires more corticosteroid therapy." He added the other possibility is that "vitamin D directly affects steroid activity, and that low levels of vitamin D make the steroids less effective, thus requiring more medication."

For those who are interested in recommended amounts of daily vitamin D intake, individuals may want consult their primary care physician. Activity of corticosteroids, which is reportedly enhanced by vitamin D, is the most effective medication that can control the symptoms of asthma.