Association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and severity of asthma

Background & aims: Asthma prevalence has increased significantly since the 1960s. Increased airway hyperresponsiveness, decreased pulmonary function, poor asthma management, and steroid resistance have all been linked to vitamin D insufficiency. In addition, treatment with oral corticosteroids increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency. We studied patients with asthma regarding their vitamin D status and its association with disease severity. Methods: Patients with asthma were included in the study. Spirometry results and serum levels of 25hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus were measured. Results: Of the 54 subjects, the majority (77.8%) were women, and the mean age was 49.71 +/- 12.16 years. Among the patients, 19 (35.2%) had sufficient vitamin D levels, 18 (33.3%) had insufficient vitamin D, and 17 (31.5%) had vitamin D deficiency. The mean FEV/FVC in the group with vitamin D deficiency is significantly lower than those with insufficient vitamin D levels (P 1/4 0.018). The mean calcium and phosphorus levels between the three groups were not different. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with asthma but is not associated with lung function test results. (c) 2022 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.