September 6, 2016

Cochrane review of evidence on vitamin D as a treatment for asthma

The relationship between vitamin D levels and asthma has been a frequent topic of research, and low levels of the vitamin have been linked to an increased risk of asthma attacks in both adults and children. However, the evidence for the potential role of vitamin D in managing asthma symptoms and attacks has not been fully evaluated until now.

A new Cochrane Review has investigated whether vitamin D supplements can prevent asthma attacks or improve control of symptoms. The review has evaluated nine trials including both adults and children, and judged the studies included to be of high quality.

Journalists came to the SMC to hear the authors of the review discuss points such as:

• What evidence is there that vitamin D supplements improve the symptoms of asthma?
• How robust is this evidence?
• Were these findings observed in adults or children, or both?
• Do vitamin D supplements have a similar impact on patients with asthma of different severity?
• Do vitamin D supplements have a similar impact on all asthma symptoms or are some affected differently?
• Does this have any implications for asthma patients and asthma treatments?
• Does this mean that all asthma patients should take vitamin D supplements?

Speakers:

Prof. Adrian Martineau, Clinical Professor of Respiratory Infection and Immunity, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London

Dr Rebecca Normansell, Deputy Co-ordinating Editor, Cochrane Airways

Toby Lasserson, Cochrane Senior Editor