SEVERE vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher rate of hospitalisation for respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia, according to a new study involving scientists from the University of Reading.
Scientists found that those with a severe deficiency were 33 per cent more likely to be admitted to hospital for treatment than those with sufficient levels of vitamin D (at least 75 nmol/L).
A severe deficiency is considered to be below 15 nnmol/L (nanomoles per litre), a fifth of normal levels, around 75 nnmol/L.
In the largest study of its kind, researchers from Surrey worked in collaboration with the University of Reading and University of Oxford, analysing NHS data from the UK Biobank.
They investigated the association between vitamin D status and the rate of hospitalisation due to respiratory tract infections.
The study found that Middle and older-aged adults are at a high risk of developing respiratory tract infections, with lower respiratory tract infections.
Those infections ranked amongst the top 20 leading causes of mortality globally for individuals aged 50-74 years, and in the top 10 for those aged 75 years and older.
Examining data from 36,258 participants from the UK Biobank, the researchers found that those with severe vitamin D deficiency had a 33 per cent higher rate of hospitalisation for a respiratory tract infection, compared to those who had vitamin D levels of 75 nmol/L or greater.
Scientists also found that for each 10 nmol/L higher vitamin D, the hospitalisation rate for respiratory tract infections was four per cent lower.
This study was published today (Wednesday, 21 January, 2025) in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Professor Ian Givens, co-author from the University of Reading, said: “This research highlights the importance of adequate vitamin D intake, particularly during winter months when sunlight exposure is limited. Simple dietary changes, such as consuming fortified foods or taking supplements, could make a real difference to people’s health.”
Professor Julie Lovegrove, co-author from the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading, said: “Our findings show an important link between vitamin D levels and hospital admissions for respiratory infections. Given that many people fall short of recommended intakes, this highlights the need for better public awareness about the necessity of adequate vitamin D intake and its potential role in supporting our immune system.”
