Asthma, which
inflames and narrows the airways, has become more common in recent years.
While there is no known cure, asthma can be managed with medication and by
avoiding allergens and other triggers. A new study by a Tel Aviv
University researcher points to a convenient, free way to manage acute
asthmatic episodes — catching some rays outside.
According to
a paper recently published in the journal Allergy, measuring and, if
need be, boosting Vitamin D levels could help manage asthma attacks. The
research, conducted by Dr. Ronit Confino-Cohen of TAU's Sackler
Faculty of Medicine, Meir Medical Center, and the Clalit Research
Institute, and Dr. Becca Feldman of the Clalit Research Institute drew on the
records of millions of patients and used physician diagnoses, rather than
self-reports, for evidence of asthma episodes.
"Vitamin
D has significant immunomodulatory effects and, as such, was believed to have
an effect on asthma — an immunologically mediated disease," said Dr.
Confino-Cohen. "But most of the existing data regarding Vitamin D and
asthma came from the pediatric population and was inconsistent. Our present
study is unique because the study population of young adults is very large
and 'uncontaminated' by other diseases."
A broad study
Dr.
Confino-Cohen and her team of researchers analyzed the medical records of
nearly four million members of Clalit Health Services, Israel's largest
health care provider. The Vitamin D levels of 307,900 people were measured
between 2008 and 2012. Researchers also took into account key predictors of
asthma, such as obesity, smoking, and other chronic diseases. Of some 21,000
asthma patients in Israel studied, those with a Vitamin D deficiency were 25
percent more likely than other asthmatics to have had at least one flare-up in
the recent past.
The
researchers found that Vitamin D-deficient asthmatics were at a higher risk
of an asthma attack. "Uncontrolled asthma" was defined as being
prescribed at least five rescue inhalers, one prescription of oral
corticosteroids, or visiting the doctor for asthma at least four times in a
single year.
"Our
results add more evidence to the link between Vitamin D and asthma,
suggesting beneficial effects of Vitamin D on asthma exacerbations,"
said Dr. Confino-Cohen. "We expect that further prospective studies will
support our results. In the meantime, our results support a recommendation
for screening of Vitamin D levels in the subgroup of asthma patients who
experience recurrent exacerbations. In those with Vitamin D deficiency,
supplementation may be necessary."
Sunny side up?
While most of
the Vitamin D in people's bodies comes from exposure to the sun,
dermatologists recommend obtaining the ingredient from other sources — fish,
eggs, cod liver oil, fortified milk, or a dietary supplement — due to the
dangers of overexposure to the sun.
"We know
a lot about this disease and many therapeutic options are available. So it's
quite frustrating that the prevalence of asthma is not decreasing and many
patients suffer exacerbations and significant impairment in their quality of
life," Dr. Confino-Cohen, an allergy and clinical immunology specialist,
said. "Increasing Vitamin D levels is something we can easily do to
improve patients' quality of life."
Based on the
findings, the researchers recommend that people whose asthma cannot be
controlled with existing treatments have their Vitamin D levels tested. For
those with a vitamin D deficiency, supplements may make sense.
"This
study provided an exceptional opportunity to research asthma. I received a research
grant from Clalit Health Services, which provided us with the opportunity to
use their very large database and to conduct the study with the professional
staff of Clalit Research Institute," said Dr. Confino-Cohen. "We
anticipate further prospective research that will support our findings and
open a new treatment modality to the population of uncontrolled
asthmatics."
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Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Asthmatics with Vitamin D deficiency are 25 percent more likely to experience acute attacks
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