Have Asthma? Vitamin D May Help

Newswise — Supplement your asthma action plan with Vitamin D and you may experience improved asthma control according to an article published this month in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

“There is a possible cause-and-effect relationship between vitamin D deficiency and uncontrolled asthma,” said allergist Manbir Sandhu, MD, lead author and ACAAI member. “Evidence suggests that vitamin D has a number of biologic factors that are important in regulating key mechanisms in asthma.”

Authors conducted a review of almost 60 years of literature on vitamin D and asthma. According to the article, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased airway hyperresponsiveness, lower lung functions, and inferior asthma control. Vitamin D deficiency is more common with obesity, in African American ethnicity and westernization of countries reflecting a higher-risk population for asthma. The authors recommend that long-term interventional trials be conducted in asthma patients.

“Vitamin D can complement your prescribed asthma treatment plan as it has been shown to have some anti-inflammatory properties, but should never be used as an alternative to prescribed medication,” said allergist Thomas Casale, M.D., co author and ACAAI Fellow. “Asthma is a serious and sometimes life threatening disease and needs to be treated that way. Always discuss use of supplements with your allergist.” Consumers and patients can take a simple online test to gauge their asthma symptoms and obtain a personalized plan on how to get relief at www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

“It’s important to know that if you have asthma, you should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night,” said Dr. Casale. “If you’re not, make an appointment with your allergist for a ‘tune-up’ visit.”

About ACAAIThe ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.

To learn more about allergies and asthma and to find an allergist, visit www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org