REVIEWVitamin D has traditionally been known for its role in bone homeostasis with its effects on calcium and phosphate absorption and secretion. However, new evidence is emerging of its effects on a number of other cells, especially the immune system. This article reviews the role of vitamin D as it pertains to the respiratory tract and respiratory diseases. Respir J 2017;23 (1) Vitamin D belongs to a group of fat-soluble secosteroids and is required for intestinal absorption of calcium (Ca 2+ ) and phosphate (PO 4 3-). In humans, vitamin D is present as ergocalciferol (vitamin D 2 ) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D 3 ), and both forms can be ingested from the diet and/or supplements. The body can also synthesise vitamin D from cholesterol when sun exposure is adequate, hence it has been nicknamed the 'sunshine vitamin' . [1] Recently, interest has grown in the role of vitamin D in many non-skeletal medical conditions, including respiratory infection and lung function. [2] Emerging evidence indicates that vitamin D-mediated innate immunity is important in host defences against respiratory tract pathogens. [3] Observational studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of respiratory infections, incident wheezing illness in children and adults, and can cause asthma exacerbations. Vitamin D also modulates regulatory T-cell function and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production, which may increase the therapeutic response to glucocorticoids in steroid-resistant asthma.
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HistoryIn 1914, American researchers McCollum and Davis discovered a substance in cod liver oil which was later called 'vitamin A' . In 1922, McCollum tested modified cod liver oil in which the vitamin A had been denatured. The modified oil cured rickets in sick dogs, so McCollum concluded the factor in cod liver oil that cured rickets was distinct from vitamin A. He called it vitamin D because it was the fourth vitamin to be named. [4] In 1923, American biochemist Harry Steenbock demonstrated that the irradiation of foodstuffs, especially milk, led to a cure for rickets. In 1932, an academic collaboration between Bourdillon, Rosenheim, King and Callow led to the isolation and characterisation of vitamin D and later in the 1930s, Windaus further clarified the chemical structure of vitamin D. By 1972, Holick had discovered that vitamin D was metabolised to two active forms, i.e. calcidiol and calcitriol. [5,6]
Recommended dietary allowance of vitamin DThe US Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) per day for children younger than 1 year of age, 600 IU per day for children at least 1 year of age and adults up to 70 years, and 800 IU per day for older adults.The US IOM concluded that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) of 20 ng/mL or more would cover the requirements of 97.5% of the population. [7] The US Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guidelines suggest that 400 -1 000 IU/day may be needed for children aged <1 year, 600 -1 000 IU/day for children aged ≥1 year, and 1 500 ...