University of Reading Severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher rate of hospitalisation for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, according to a new studyinvolving scientists from the University of Reading.
Scientists found that those with a severe deficiency (below 15 nnmol/L) were 33 per cent more likely to be admitted to hospital for treatment than those with sufficient levels of vitamin D(at least 75nmol/L).
In the largest study of its kind, analysing NHS data from the UK Biobank, researchers from Surrey, in collaboration with the University of Reading and University of Oxford,investigated the association between vitamin D status and the rate of hospitalisation due to respiratory tract infections. Middle and older-aged adults are at a high risk of developing respiratory tract infections, with lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia and bronchitis) ranking amongst the top 20 leading causes of mortality globally for individuals aged 50-74 years and in the top 10 for those aged 75 years and older.
Professor Julie Lovegrove, co-author from the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading, said: “Our findings show an important link between vitamin D levels and hospital admissions for respiratory infections. Given that many people fall short of recommended intakes, thishighlightsthe need for better public awareness about the necessityof adequate vitamin D intake and its potential role in supporting our immune system.”