Objective: To examine the cross-sectional association between vitamins A, E, C and D from diet and supplements and the prevalence of respiratory complaints in a nationally representative sample of UK adults.
Methods: Data from adult participants of the National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme years 2008-2016 were used for the analysis. Logistic regression adapted for complex survey design was used to investigate the relationship between each vitamin intake in turn (exposure) and self-reported respiratory complaints (outcome), adjusting for relevant confounders.
Results: Overall, respiratory complaints were found in 33 of the 6115 adult patients aged 19 years and above. After adjustment for potential confounders, a negative association was observed between the intake of vitamin A and E intake from diet and supplements and respiratory complaints. For vitamin D, intake from supplements, but not diet, was inversely significantly associated with respiratory complaints. No association between vitamin C and respiratory complaints was observed.
Conclusion: In conclusion, intake of vitamin A and E from diet and supplements, and vitamin D from supplements, show strong evidence of association with lower self-reported prevalence of respiratory complaints in a nationally representative sample of UK adults.
Keywords: infectious disease; malnutrition; nutrient deficiencies.
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