Role of vitamin D supplementation in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common type of chronic rhinitis, affecting 10-20% of the population. Severe AR has been associated with significant impairments in quality of life, sleep, and work performance. A role for vitamin D in the regulation of immune function was first proposed after the identification of vitamin D receptors in lymphocytes. It has since been recognized that the active form of vitamin D, 1α, 25(OH) 2D3, has direct affects on naïve and activated helper T-cells, regulatory T-cells, activated B-cells and dendritic cells. There is a growing researches linking vitamin D (serum 25(OH) D, oral intake and surrogate indicators such as latitude) to various immune-related conditions, including allergy, although the pattern of this relationship is still yet to establish. Such effects of vitamin D can significantly affect the outcome of allergic responses like in AR. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate nasal symptom scores in patients of AR, pre- and post-treatment with and without supplementation of vitamin D. Materials and Methods: Vitamin D levels were assessed in 21 patients with AR diagnosed clinically and evaluated prospectively during the period of 1 year. Pre- and post-treatment vitamin D3 serum levels measured and documented. They received oral vitamin D (chole-calciferol; 1000 IU) for a given period. The results were compared with the patients having AR - treated conventionally without supplementation of vitamin D. Results: Improvement in the levels of serum vitamin D levels were significant in post-treatment patients (P = 0.0104). As well as clinical improvement in terms of reduction in the total nasal symptom score was also significant in the post-treatment patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Supplementation of vitamin D in such patients alters natural course of AR toward significant clinical improvement.