Key Point

Adolescents consuming the lowest amounts of vitamin D had significantly decreased lung function, compared to teens who had a greater intake.

SAN DIEGO—Evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in lung health for adults. Is the same true for teenagers? According to a study presented at this year’s American Thoracic Society meeting, low dietary vitamin D was associated with significantly reduced lung function scores in adolescents.¹

Pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1, and FEF25%-75%) and vitamin D intake were assessed in 2,112 adolescents ages 16 to 19 in 12 cities in the United States and Canada. Height, weight, and food preferences were also evaluated. The researchers focused on adolescents because this group often has poor eating habits and may be especially vulnerable to the deleterious effects of dietary deficiencies during periods of rapid physical growth. According to Jane Burns, ScD, a research fellow in the Department of Environmental Health at the Harvard University School of Public Health in Boston, "These are adolescents who should have optimal pulmonary function. If they’re already showing lower pulmonary function associated with lower vitamin D intake at this age, it may have long-term effects on their health."

VITAMIN D AND THE LUNGS

Although the mean daily dietary intake of vitamin D among the teenagers was an adequate 289 IU, vitamin D intake in 35% of the adolescents was below the level recommended by the Institute of Medicine (200 IU/d). Low dietary vitamin D intake was defined as the lowest quintile of calorie-adjusted intake. In this cohort, that was less than 157 IU/d. Low dietary intake was associated with significantly lower FEV1 (-1.3%; 95% CI, -2.4% to -0.1%). FEF25%-75% was also lower among those in the lowest quintile of vitamin D intake (-2.6%; 95% CI, -5.0% to -0.2%). Intake was not significantly associated with FVC.

These results did not differ by gender. Although vitamin D’s exact role in lung health is unknown, the nutrient could affect the immune system. The authors believe that dietary vitamin D is an important micronutrient for pulmonary function. "It may be that we should be promoting dietary vitamin D intake at recommended levels to ensure optimal lung function as well as to form and maintain healthy bones," Dr. Burns concluded.

—Tamara Gibb

Reference
1. Burns JS, Dockery DW, Speizer FE. Low levels of dietary vitamin D intake and pulmonary function in adolescents. Presented at: annual meeting of the American Thoracic Society; May 23, 2006; San Diego, Calif.

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