Vitamin D and phenotypes of bronchial asthma

Background: Many studies have suggested the role of vitamin D deficiency in both T-helper1 and T-helper2 diseases. The existence of associations of vitamin D with asthma and allergy remains uncertain. While some suggest that vitamin D may be protective, others suggest that vitamin D supplementation may increase the risk of allergy. Aim of the work: The aim of the study was to evaluate the state of vitamin D in asthmatic patients and its potential relationship with asthma phenotypes. Patients and methods: This study was conducted on 66 nonsmoker asthmatic patients and 30 healthy controls. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels were determined and compared between the two groups. The relationship between serum vitamin D levels and asthma phenotypes were examined. Results: Vitamin D level was significantly lower in asthmatic patients than in control group, in asthmatic patients, vitamin D levels had a significant positive correlation with FEV1% predicted and a significant negative correlation with body mass index, the number of atopic patients was significantly higher in bronchial asthma patients with vitamin D insufficiency than those with sufficient vitamin D. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent in asthmatic patients and it was associated with atopy and asthma severity