Vitamin D for the management of asthma

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of vitamin D supplementation on asthma management, analyzing 20 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2,225 participants (1,155 children, 1,070 adults). The study aimed to determine whether vitamin D reduces asthma exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids and improves symptom control. The results showed no significant impact of vitamin D supplementation on reducing exacerbation risk or improving lung function. A single study suggested potential benefits from calcidiol (a form of vitamin D), warranting further research. The study highlights that individuals with severe asthma and profound vitamin D deficiency were underrepresented, limiting conclusions for these subgroups.

While vitamin D supplementation does not appear to reduce asthma exacerbations or improve control in the general asthma population, individuals with severe asthma or profound vitamin D deficiency may still benefit. Future research should focus on these specific groups and the potential effects of calcidiol.