Is vitamin D deficiency correlated with childhood wheezing and asthma?

Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2014 Jan 1;6(1):31-9. doi: 10.2741/e687.

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that vitamin D regulates immune responses. There is also epidemiological evidence of a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and development of asthma. In addition, several epidemiological studies suggest that low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and early life are inversely associated with the risk of developing respiratory infections and wheezing in childhood. Vitamin D also seems to reduce asthma exacerbation and increase the response to glucocorticoids. These findings have led to considering a possible link between the occurrence of allergic respiratory diseases and low levels of vitamin D. However, the precise role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of asthma still remains unclear, emphasizing the need for well-designed trials on vitamin D supplementation to decipher its role in preventing and/or managing the disease. This review examines the relationship that exists between vitamin D deficiency and childhood wheezing and asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asthma / etiology*
  • Asthma / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / immunology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Respiratory Sounds / immunology*
  • Respiratory Sounds / physiopathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / immunology*