Vitamin D may reduce Respiratory Tract Infections and the use of antibiotics – March 2021

Respiratory Tract Infections and Antibiotic Resistance: A Protective Role for Vitamin D?

Front. Nutr., 25 March 2021 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.652469
Emma J. Derbyshire 1* and Philip C. Calder 2,3

• 1 Nutritional Insight, London, United Kingdom
• 2 Faculty of Medicine, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
• 3 National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom

__The only high-dose RCT in Table 2__

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Upper and lower respiratory tract infections are among the most common infections globally, and in the United Kingdom, they account for about half of all oral antibiotics prescribed. Antibiotic overuse and the emergence of “superbugs” that are resistant to their effects is a global problem that is becoming a serious concern. Considering this, the potential role of immunonutrition as a “prehabilitation” in helping to tackle bacterial infections and reduce over-reliance on antibiotic usage is gaining interest. This narrative mini-review summarizes current knowledge on the roles of certain nutrients in helping to modulate immune function, with particular focus on vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation appears to reduce the risk of acute respiratory tract infections and thus could have a valuable role to play in reducing over-reliance on antibiotics. Investment in high-quality trials is needed to further explore this field.