Vitamin D supplementation improves well-being in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections: a post hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
BMC Res Notes. 2015 Sep 29;8:498. doi: 10.1186/s13104-015-1504-2.
Bergman P1, Norlin AC2, Hansen S3, Björkhem-Bergman L4.
1Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. peter.bergman@ki.se.
2Division of Clincal Immunology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. anna-carin.norlin@karolinska.se.
3Infectious Disease Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. susanne.hansen@karolinska.se.
4Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. linda.bjorkhem-bergman@ki.se.
RCT with 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a year
It appears that the study found (compared to placebo)
43% more likely to feel better if > 40 ng
30% more likely to feel better independent of vitamin D level achieved
22% more likely to feel better if < 40 ng
Note
This study, like most vitamin D studies, did not look at the interaction with genes.
Rather than a 2X increase associated with Vitamin D level ,might expect > 4X increase associated with a gene or 2
See also VitaminDWiki
- Respiratory Tract Infection risk reduced 2X by Vitamin D loading doses – meta-analysis Jan 2021
- Respiratory tract infections in childhood – vitamin D is needed, no consensus of how much – Oct 2015
- Respiratory Tract Infection visits 2.5 less likely with vitamin D: Pregnancy 2000 IU, Infant 800 IU – RCT Oct 2014 Why not eliminate the RTI by taking vitamin D ahead of time?
- Respiratory infections (RTI) cut in half by 20,000 IU weekly vitamin D if initially deficient – RCT March 2015
- Respiratory tract infection eliminated in 36 percent of people by 4000 IU of Vitamin D – RCT Sept 2015 Previous analysis of data by the authors
VitaminDWiki RTI studies 28 as of Sept 2021
Download the PDF from VitaminDWiki
BACKGROUND:
The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that vitamin D supplementation improves well-being in patients with frequent respiratory tract infections (RTIs). We performed a post hoc analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind study in which patients with frequent RTIs were randomized to placebo or vitamin D (4000 IE/day for 1 year, n = 124). At the last visit of the study, patients were asked to perform a general assessment of their well-being during the study.
RESULTS:
The majority of patients, both placebo- and vitamin D treated, stated that they had felt 'better' during the study; 52% in the placebo group and 70% in the vitamin D group, relative risk 1.3 (95% CI 1.0-1.8; p = 0.06, Fisher's exact test). Statement of better well-being was associated with an increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels (p < 0.001). In contrast, worse well-being was associated with unchanged 25-OHD levels. Notably, a 25-OHD level above 100 nmol/L at the study end was associated with a higher chance of having a better well-being (p < 0.01). Four patients on anti-depressive treatment could terminate their antidepressant medication during the study. These patients had a significant increase in 25-OHD levels from low levels at study-start.
CONCLUSION:
Vitamin D supplementation to patients with frequent RTIs might be beneficial, not only for infections, but also for their general well-being. However, given the post hoc design of this study, these findings need to be confirmed in additional clinical trials before firm conclusions can be drawn.
TRIAL REGISTRATION:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01131858), registered March 22, 2010.
PMID: 26419363