VITAMIN D AND ASTHMA MANAGEMENT. DOES LOW SERUM LEVELS OF VITAMIN D INFLUENCE ASTHMA CONTROL AND EXACERBATION? – SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Asthma is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract. It is defined by the occurrence of symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough. Restriction of airflow is caused by the contraction of smooth muscles and swelling of the bronchial mucosa, formation of mucus plugs and remodeling of the bronchial wall. Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is a steroid hormone that must be supplied to the body. It may be provided with food (ergocalciferol) or synthesized in the skin by solar radiation. Vitamin D produced in the skin has no biological activity, it undergoes hydroxylation in the liver and kidneys to active form – 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Aims: The aim of this review is to assess the impact of vitamin D supplementation on asthma management and exacerbation occurrence and severity. Methods: We conducted this literature review by selecting articles, meta-analyses and reviews from recent clinical trials from Pubmed. Results: Studies have shown the strong immunomodulatory impact of vitamin D and that there are beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in individuals with asthma whose vitamin D levels are insufficient. Conclusions: Children and adults have provided significant evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in people with asthma, whose vitamin D levels are insufficient. The role of vitamin D status in patients with asthma with adequate vitamin D levels is still a matter of debate. Medical doctors need to monitor the level of vitamin D in their patients and, if necessary, supplement its deficiencies.