Obesity-related asthma in children: A role for vitamin D

Pediatr Pulmonol. 2021 Feb;56(2):354-361. doi: 10.1002/ppul.25053. Epub 2020 Dec 8.

Abstract

Excess adipose tissue predisposes to an enhanced inflammatory state and can contribute to the pathogenesis and severity of asthma. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and low-serum levels are seen in children with asthma and in children with obesity. Here we review the intersection of asthma, obesity, and hypovitaminosis D in children. Supplementation with vitamin D has been proposed as a simple, safe, and inexpensive adjunctive therapy in a number of disease states. However, little research has examined the pharmacokinetics of vitamin D and its therapeutic potential in children who suffer from obesity-related asthma.

Keywords: asthma; children; inflammation; obesity; pediatric; vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asthma* / blood
  • Asthma* / diet therapy
  • Asthma* / etiology
  • Child
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / blood
  • Inflammation / diet therapy
  • Obesity* / blood
  • Obesity* / complications
  • Obesity* / diet therapy
  • Obesity* / metabolism
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / diet therapy
  • Vitamin D* / blood
  • Vitamin D* / pharmacokinetics
  • Vitamin D* / therapeutic use
  • Vitamins* / blood
  • Vitamins* / pharmacokinetics
  • Vitamins* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D