RTI – Feel much better if increase vitamin D level above 40 ng (4000 IU) – RCT

Created June 2016

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. [email protected].

2Division of Clincal Immunology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].

3Infectious Disease Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].

4Division of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden. [email protected].

RCT with 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a yearIt 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 achieved22% more likely to feel better if < 40 ngNote 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 2See also Vitamin D Life* 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 authorsVitamin D Life RTI studies28 as of Sept 2021

📄 Download the PDF from Vitamin D Life

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

Tags: Breathing Intervention