Is There a Relationship between Clinical Symptoms of Asthmatic Children and Serum Levels of Vitamin D and Zinc?

Abstract

Objectives : It is reported that deficiencies in vitamin D and zinc are associated with asthma. In this study we aimed to investigate the relationship between clinic findings of asthmatic children and vitamin D and zinc levels. Materials and Methods : This prospective study included a total of 149 asthmatics and 97 healthy children with an age range of 5 to 17 years. All of the participants were evaluated for serum levels of 25 -hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and zinc, dietary habits, the rate of respiratory tract infections, hospital visits and levels of sunlight exposure. Results : Serum vitamin D and zinc levels in asthmatic children (7.7±5.29 ng/ml), (64±16.3 mcg/dl) were significantly lower than that in healthy children (12.3±12.87 ng/ml), (69±26.2 mcg/dl) (p< 0.015), respectively. A relationship was detected between the frequency of infection and vitamin D level’s being <10ng/ml (p < 0.001), while no relationship was detected between the frequency of infection and zinc level. No relationship was detected between pulmonary function, nutrition and the levels of vitamin D and zinc. However, a relationship was detected between vitamin D levels and exposure to sunlight. Conclusion : Our results showed that asthmatic children had lower vitamin D and zinc levels than healthy children. Very low levels of vitamin D were found to be associated with an increased rate of infection and required more medication and hospitalization