STUDY: Severe vitamin D deficiency linked to higher risk of hospitalization from respiratory infections

• A University of Surrey–led study found that adults with severe vitamin D deficiency are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
• Analyzing data from 36,258 UK Biobank participants aged 40 to 69, researchers found that those with vitamin D levels below 15 nmol/L were 33% more likely to be hospitalized than those with levels of at least 75 nmol/L.
• The study showed a dose-response relationship: Every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D was associated with a 4% reduction in hospitalization risk for respiratory infections.
• While vitamin D levels varied by ethnicity, the link between deficiency and infection risk was consistent across groups, with the highest risk concentrated among those who were severely deficient.
• Researchers say increasing vitamin D intake through supplements, fortified foods and safe sunlight exposure could help reduce respiratory infection hospitalizations and ease pressure on healthcare systems, particularly among older adults.

A new study led by the University of Surrey has found that adults with severe vitamin D deficiency are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

The research, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, analyzed health records from 36,258 participants ages 40 to 69 at baseline who had both vitamin D measurements and hospital records for respiratory tract infections in the UK Biobank. Of those participants, just over half were female, nearly three-quarters were between 40 and 60 years old and nearly 30% had a body mass index of 30 or higher.

Scientists discovered that individuals with vitamin D levels below 15 nmol/L, a level considered severely deficient, were 33% more likely to require hospital treatment for respiratory infections than those with sufficient vitamin D levels (at least 75 nmol/L). The study also found that for every 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D, the risk of hospitalization decreased by approximately 4%.

Researchers found that 10.9% of participants had severe vitamin D deficiency, while only 5.4% had levels at or above 75 nmol/L. Hospitalization risk was not significantly higher among those with vitamin D levels between 15 and 74 nmol/L compared with the highest-level group, suggesting the greatest risk was concentrated among those with severe deficiency.

Vitamin D levels varied by ethnicity, with the highest median levels seen among white participants and the lowest among Asian participants. Despite these differences, the incidence of respiratory tract infections was similar across ethnic groups.

“We found no evidence that the association between vitamin D status and RTI risk differed by ethnicity,” Bournot said, while noting that some groups remain disproportionately affected by vitamin D deficiency.

Other factors associated with a higher risk of hospitalization included obesity, male sex, age over 60, lower income, and statin use.

The authors acknowledged several limitations, including the use of a single baseline vitamin D measurement and the possibility that levels changed over time. They also noted that results may not be generalizable to younger populations.

Increasing vitamin D intake through supplements or fortified foods could reduce hospital admissions, researchers say

Vitamin D status is commonly assessed using serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. According to the U.S. National Academies’ Food and Nutrition Board, levels of at least 50 nmol/L are generally considered sufficient for most people, while deficiency risk increases below 30 nmol/L.

Middle-aged and older adults are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, with pneumonia and bronchitis ranking among the top causes of death globally for those over 50. Researchers warn that many people fail to meet the UK government’s recommended daily intake of 10 micrograms of vitamin D, a gap that may increase their risk of severe infections.

According to BrightU.AI‘s Enoch, Vitamin D can be naturally obtained through sunlight exposure, which is the most effective and safe method and through the consumption of certain foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks and mushrooms exposed to sunlight.

“Vitamin D is vital to our physical well-being,” said Abigail Bournot, Ph.D. Research Fellow and lead author from the University of Surrey. “Its antibacterial and antiviral properties may help reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections that can lead to hospitalization. Supplementation, especially during the winter months when sunlight exposure is limited, is an effective way to maintain adequate levels.”

Dr. Andrea Darling, postdoctoral researcher at Surrey and senior author, emphasized the public health implications: “Respiratory infections not only make individuals very ill but also place a heavy burden on the National Health Service (NHS). Our findings suggest that increasing vitamin D intake through supplements or fortified foods could reduce hospital admissions and help alleviate pressure on healthcare services.”

“Our findings of a significant association between increased vitamin D levels in our bodies and reduced hospital admission rates warrant further study, and point to the potential for vitamin D supplementation and consumption of vitamin D fortified foods to reduce the risk of hospitalization with respiratory infections in the future, and therefore mitigate pressures on the NHS.”

Watch the video below as a news clip reveals more about Chinese hospitals being overwhelmed with childhood pneumonia.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

MedicalExpress.com

MedPageToday.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com