Vitamin D Deficiency Common in Patients with Lung Disease

21 Apr 2015 --- A new study from Korea has found worryingly low levels of vitamin D in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as a significant relationship between vitamin D deficiency and airflow limitations.

Exercise capacity also tended to be decreased in participants with vitamin D deficiency.

"About 80% of the 193 patients with COPD in the study had vitamin D deficiency compared with 40% to 60% of Koreans in the general population,” said Dr Sang-Do Lee, senior author of the Respirology study.

Vitamin D deficiency has previously been linked to bone loss and depression. More recently researchers have also made further links between low levels of vitamin D and concerns with our cardiovascular health.

The Copenhagen City Heart Study indicated an association between low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of heart disease, while in England research called the Whitehall Study showed links between vitamin D Deficiencies and vascular-related deaths, although researchers said further studies were needed here.

According to research, 41% of the US population is deficient in vitamin D, while other nations also have high numbers of people who are deficient. 

Vitamin D is produced by the body in response to direct sun exposure (ultraviolet B), so the more time spent outdoors then the more that is produced. 

Certain foods also have high levels of vitamin D, such as cod liver oil and salmon.