Recurrent respiratory infections and vitamin A levels: a link? It is cross-sectional

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections are common illnesses in children, causing significant morbidity and negatively affecting their health. Vitamin A protects against infections and maintains epithelial integrity. The goal of this study was to determine the correlation between vitamin A deficiency and recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs). Participants in this cross-sectional study were divided into 3 groups: RRTIs (including patients with history of RRTIs presenting with respiratory tract infection symptoms), RTI (including patients without history of RRTIs presenting with respiratory tract infection symptoms), and control (including children who came for a routine health checkup without a history of RRTIs or respiratory tract infection symptoms). The vitamin A assay was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The study included 550 children aged 6.64 ± 2.61 years. The RRTIs group included 150 children (27.3%), the RTI group included 300 children (54.5%), and the control group included 100 children (18.2%). Subclinical vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A deficiency affected 3.1% and 1.3% of subjects, respectively. Subclinical vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A deficiency were higher in children with RRTIs than in those with RTI (8% vs 1.3%, P = .001 and 4% vs 0.3%, P = .006). Additionally, children with RRTIs had significantly higher rates of subclinical vitamin A deficiency and vitamin A deficiency than those in the control group, which had 1% subclinical vitamin A deficiency (P = .017) and no cases of vitamin A deficiency (P = .043). The RRTIs group had higher rates of otitis media (27.3%), sinusitis (20%), and pneumonia (4.7%) than the RTI group (P = .002). Vitamin A insufficiency was associated with RRTIs in children.

Recurrent respiratory tract infections in children might be associated with vitamin A status: a case-control study

“…Previous studies have shown that the disruption of the barrier function of the respiratory tract and impaired immune function may be closely linked with RRTIs. The association between VAD and development of RRTI in children has been found recently (21). VA is a very important fat-soluble vitamin to human and plays an immunomodulatory role in the human body, especially in the maintenance of airway epithelial cell integrity and immune function (27,28).…”

“…Most previous studies have focused on determining the relation between VA concentrations and RTIs (18, 19), whereas only a few studies on the relation between serum VA levels and RRTIs (20)(21)(22). In addition, the association between threshold dietary intake of vitamin A and respiratory outcomes is unclear.…”

Vitamin A Positively Correlates with Secretory Immunoglobulin A: A Cross-Sectional Study in Omicron COVID-19 Outpatients

“…In addition to contributing to visual health, vitamin A has fundamental functions in the immune system response [ 11 , 14 ]. Studies have reported that low intake and low serum concentration of vitamin A have been associated with respiratory tract infections [ 42 , 43 ]. Furthermore, according to Sirisinha et al [ 15 ], Wistar rats assigned to a vitamin A-deficient diet exhibited lower concentrations of SIgA in intestinal samples compared to the control group.…”

Supplement Use and Increased Risks of Cancer: Unveiling the Other Side of the Coin

“…Vitamin A (FDA daily allowance (DA): 900 mcg) has antioxidant properties and its supplementation is used to boost immune function and prevent respiratory infections [ 21 , 22 ]. Despite in vitro evidence of the protective role of vitamin A against cancer in many instances [ 23 ], population-based studies have found an increased risk of certain cancers associated with vitamin A supplementation.…”