Association between Asthma and Vitamin D in Children, Adolescents and Adults
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Abstract
Inconsistent results have been reported in studies investigating the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and respiratory outcomes. In this thesis, data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey were used to examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and respiratory outcomes. Children with 25(OH)D levels less than 50 nmol/L and greater than 75 nmol/L had increased risk of current wheeze and reduced cross- sectional changes in lung function with age in comparison to those children with 25(OH)D levels between 50 and 74nmol/L suggesting a U-shaped relationship between 25(OH)D levels and these respiratory outcomes in children. The lower 25(OH)D category was also a significant risk factor for asthma attacks in adolescents and adults. Monitoring of serum vitamin D level may enhance management of respiratory conditions in children, adolescents and adults. Further exploration of this relationship is needed to identify the optimal level of vitamin D for respiratory outcomes.