Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, is a group of respiratory disorders, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, in which blockage of airflow leads to decreased ability to fully exhale, resulting in impaired exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, according to MayoClinic.com. Vitamin D research has revealed a potential role for vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of COPD. Check with your doctor before using vitamin D to treat COPD.
Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among COPD patients. Greater deficiencies are associated with more severe COPD symptoms, according to Belgian researchers at the University of Leuven. Various animal and human studies have pointed toward strong potential links between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular, inflammatory and other conditions associated with COPD. The researchers call for further studies to determine whether vitamin D supplementation may contribute to the prevention or management of COPD.
Genetic Variations
A German study reported that many COPD patients have a genetic variation in the molecule that binds to vitamin D for transport into cells. Factors related to the aging process also contribute to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D production may be less efficient in your skin as you age. Low dietary intake and less time engaged in outdoor activities are also factors that may come into play to decrease vitamin D levels. Additionally, vitamin D may be broken down more rapidly in older people. Malfunction of the kidneys, which are responsible for activating vitamin D, may result in decreased levels of the active form of the vitamin. The study was conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine, Philipps-Universtät Marburg, and published in the March 2011 issue of the journal "Respiratory Research."
Immune Activity
The binding molecule for vitamin D influences inflammation and activation of white blood cells. The molecule has been renamed several times over the past decades, as its various functions have been discovered, according to Macnee Voekel, author of the book "Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease." One of the names for the vitamin-D binding protein is macrophage activating factor, after a scavenging type of white blood cell. Low levels of this component of vitamin D metabolism may promote inflammation and worsen COPD symptoms.
Considerations
Rachel Marburg, M.D., author of the book "Eldercare for Dummies" recommends supplementing with 600 to 800 international units of vitamin D per day to offset low sunlight exposure and ensure sufficient calcium absorption. The American Lung Association advises that if you are taking steroids to manage COPD, your calcium levels may be depleted. Take a calcium supplement with vitamin D to ensure sufficient calcium absorption.
References
- "Vitamins and Hormones"; Vitamin D Deficiency and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Vicious Circle; W. Janssens, et al.; 2011
- "Respiratory Research"; The Role of Vitamin D in Pulmonary Disease: COPD, Asthma, Infection and Cancer; Christian Herr, et al.; March 2011
- "Eldercare for Dummies"; Rachelle Zukerman; 2003
- "Recent Advances in the Pathophysiology of COPD"; Trevor T. Hansel, et al.; 2004
- "Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease"; Macnee Voekel; 2008
- American Lung Association: Nutrition
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