Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Asthma Attacks

Are you having asthma issues? Perhaps it’s time to have your vitamin D level checked!

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology, low levels of Vitamin D could lead to a greater risk of severe asthma attacks. There is no doubt vitamin D is a vital nutrient, keeping our bones healthy and our immune systems working well. However this latest research suggests it may also work to protect us against severe asthma attacks.

The research team looked at data from over 300,000 adults. They found that although low levels of Vitamin D did not lead to an asthma diagnosis, it did lead to a greater risk of suffering from a severe asthma attack. Vitamin D helps our immune system to fight infection by reducing inflammation. So it may be that it can also help to reduce the inflammation that leads to an asthma attack.

Lead author of the study Dr. Ronit Confino-Cohen believes that people with uncontrolled asthma should have their vitamin D levels checked. A change in diet or a simple daily supplement may be all they need to reduce symptoms and get their asthma under control.

The sun is one of the best ways to increase your vitamin D. Since it’s currently winter, you may find it difficult to get enough sun. Not to mention the other risks associated with too much sun exposure. But you can ensure you eat foods high in vitamin D to help avoid deficiencies. Fish are a great source of vitamin D, including cod liver oil, salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna. Also, shitake mushrooms have high amounts of vitamin D which are multiplied greatly (up to 16 times!) when they are sun-dried. Egg yolks are also high in vitamin D, as well as fortified products like milk, orange juice, yogurts, butter, cheeses and cereals. And if you aren’t able to increase your intake of these foods, you can always supplement your diet with a vitamin D supplement.

Having trouble managing your asthma or know someone who does? Vitamin D may be a vital key to cutting the frequency of attacks so you may want to speak with your doctor or make a point of eating the foods rich with vitamin D.