Vitamin D Deficiency Associated with Worsening Lung Function in COPD

Researchers have found that, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a deficiency in vitamin D may be associated with worsening lung function and disease exacerbations.

According to study results published in CHEST, samples from more than 1,600 patients with COPD who participated in a previous study were included in this analysis. All were current or former smokers, and between ages 40 and 80 years.

Researchers assessed the levels of vitamin D and categorized samples as either being deficient or not. The samples collected predicted forced expiratory lung volume in one second with COPD exacerbations the primary outcomes of interest. Based on these findings, vitamin D deficiency was found in more than 20% of those in the study.

Prevalence of the vitamin D deficiency was highest in those who were younger; active smokers (48% vs. 30%), and black participants (29% vs. 10%). Participants with vitamin D deficiency had a significantly lower post-bronchodilator percent.

The takeaway:  a vitamin deficiency may impact the level at which COPD develops.

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