---
title: Is There an Immune Connection Between Asthma and Vitamin D Status?
description: More than 65% of children with asthma were found to have vitamin D deficiencies, pointing to a possible immune link between vitamin D status and asthma.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/adobestock_444107526.jpg
---

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# Is There an Immune Connection Between Asthma and Vitamin D Status?

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Nov 07, 2022

![Is There an Immune Connection Between Asthma and Vitamin D Status?](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/adobestock_444107526.jpg?width=960)

Asthma is an [airway condition](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) associated with a chronic inflammatory response. Among adults, its prevalence is between 7% and 10%. Most patients self-report a [history of asthma](https://www.dynamed.com/condition/asthma-in-adults-and-adolescents#LIKELY_RISK_FACTORS) in childhood. Recent research indicates that [vitamin D](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) deficiencies and insufficiencies have been linked to the incidence of asthma in children. 

Vitamin D is commonly known to support healthy bone mineralization and [calcium homeostasis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). It also has been shown to help support the inflammatory response and both innate and adaptive [immune health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). Vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are present throughout the body, which includes being located on some immune cells, such as [lymphocytes and monocytes](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928729/). Calcitriol (1,25\[OH\]2D) is a form of vitamin D that has been shown to help modulate T-cell differentiation, the secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 and the production of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines in monocytes and macrophages through [VDR signaling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35458099/). Vitamin D has also been shown to inhibit IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12 and downregulate [major histocompatibility complex class II molecules](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/). 

In a recently published review article by [Salmanpour and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/), the potential connection between vitamin D status, immune health, and asthma are explored. The authors describe several biochemical mechanisms through which vitamin D may support airway health. For instance, calcitriol has been shown to help modulate [matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/). MMP-9 is synthesized by certain inflammatory cells and may help promote airway health in the presence of the [remodeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/)associated with asthma. [MMP-9 activity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) is increased by tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and it is attenuated by tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1). VDRs and calcitriol have been shown to play a role in [TNF-α levels](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) and TIMP-1 to influence MMP-9 activity. Calcitriol may also help support [extracellular matrix composition](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) and immune cell infiltration.

Research indicates that [vitamin D](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) also influences the expression of disintegrin metalloprotease-33 and 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1). Both of these are associated with [airway smooth muscle health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) and the inflammatory response. 

[Eosinophil count](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) are two biomarkers typically associated with asthma. Lowered vitamin D levels have been associated with increased eosinophils and total [IgE](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/). Some research suggests that [vitamin D status](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) may be considered a greater predictive factor for asthma than serum IgE levels or family history. However, more studies are needed before clinical conclusions can be made. 

A clinical [case-controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) involving more than 900 children indicated a higher incidence of vitamin D deficiency in children with asthma. Among children with [asthma](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/), over 65% were reported to have vitamin D deficiencies and over 30% had insufficiencies. However, [Salmanpour and colleagues](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35874901/) report that more research is needed regarding the potential role of vitamin D supplementation in the presence of asthma. 

Vitamin D may support many aspects of health, including bone mineralization, immune health, and a healthy inflammatory response. Although no clinical conclusions can be made at this time, further research may be warranted regarding vitamin D and its potential role in lung health in the presence of asthma. 

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### Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT

Clinical Application

## Clinical Considerations in Practice

 In clinical practice, practitioners considering the topics discussed above may also weigh nutrient form, delivery and formulation, alongside individual patient variability.

### Practitioner Formulation Example

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