Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to poor asthma control

Patients with asthma respond differently to inhaled “controller” medications, such as Asmanex, Flovent, Pulmicort, etc. Some patients require very small doses to achieve excellent asthma control, while others are more resistant to treatment. A recent study linked low Vitamin D levels to poor airflow rates through the bronchial tree, increased bronchial hyperreactivity (more “twitchiness” of the muscles around the bronchial tubes), and poor response to inhaled steroids.

So, while it is not yet proven, there is evidence that taking Vitamin D supplements may help improve treatment response as well as general asthma control. Your physician should approve all supplements, including Vitamin D, before starting treatment, and asthma controller medications should not be replaced with vitamins as the sole treatment for asthma.

Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010 Apr 1;181(7):699-704. Vitamin D levels, lung function, and steroid response in adult asthma. Sutherland ER, Goleva E, Jackson LP, Stevens AD, Leung DY (from Dept of Med and Peds at Natl Jewish Health in Denver, CO, and Dept of Med and Peds at Univ of Colorado, Denver).