Vitamin D Levels and Status Amongst Asthmatic and Non-asthmatic Adolescents in Cyprus: a Comparative Cross-sectional Study
Journal
BMC Public Health
Date Issued
2015
DOI
10.1093/eurpub/cks115
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D might be implicated in asthma pathophysiology. This
study aims to compare Vitamin D mean serum levels and status between asthmatic and non-asthmatic adolescents
and investigate the association of vitamin D with asthma severity.
Methods: In a cohort of adolescents aged 16–17 years, those reporting wheezing in the past 12 months and Ever
asthma on the ISAAC questionnaire were invited to participate and formed the Active Asthmatics group. Controls
were selected amongst Never Wheezers/Never Asthmatics (NWNA). Differences in mean 25(OH)D serum levels and
vitamin D status between AA and NWNA were examined in multivariate linear and logistic regression models
respectively, adjusting for potential confounders. Within AA, differences in vitamin D levels were assessed across
asthma severity indicators.
Results: A total of 69 AA and 671 NWNA participated in the study. Unadjusted mean 25(OH)D serum levels were
22.90 (SD 6.41), and 21.15 (SD 5.59) ng/mL in NWNA and AA respectively (p = 0.03). In adjusted models, mean
25(OH)D levels remained significantly lower amongst AA compared to NWNA (adjusted beta coefficient −1.68, 95%
CI −3.24, −0.13). Severe (<12 ng/mL), moderate (<25 ng/mL) or insufficient (<30 ng/mL) vitamin D status was more
prevalent among AA who were 1.6 times (95% CI 1.01, 2.53) more likely to belong to a lower vitamin D category
compared to NWNA. Within AA, there was a negative trend between vitamin D levels and the number of reported
asthma severity indicators.
Conclusions: Levels of vitamin D tend to be lower among asthmatic compared to non-asthmatic children and in
those with severe asthma independent of important confounders.
Keywords: Adolescents, Asthma, Asthma severity, Vitamin D levels, Vitamin D status
Background: Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D might be implicated in asthma pathophysiology. This
study aims to compare Vitamin D mean serum levels and status between asthmatic and non-asthmatic adolescents
and investigate the association of vitamin D with asthma severity.
Methods: In a cohort of adolescents aged 16–17 years, those reporting wheezing in the past 12 months and Ever
asthma on the ISAAC questionnaire were invited to participate and formed the Active Asthmatics group. Controls
were selected amongst Never Wheezers/Never Asthmatics (NWNA). Differences in mean 25(OH)D serum levels and
vitamin D status between AA and NWNA were examined in multivariate linear and logistic regression models
respectively, adjusting for potential confounders. Within AA, differences in vitamin D levels were assessed across
asthma severity indicators.
Results: A total of 69 AA and 671 NWNA participated in the study. Unadjusted mean 25(OH)D serum levels were
22.90 (SD 6.41), and 21.15 (SD 5.59) ng/mL in NWNA and AA respectively (p = 0.03). In adjusted models, mean
25(OH)D levels remained significantly lower amongst AA compared to NWNA (adjusted beta coefficient −1.68, 95%
CI −3.24, −0.13). Severe (<12 ng/mL), moderate (<25 ng/mL) or insufficient (<30 ng/mL) vitamin D status was more
prevalent among AA who were 1.6 times (95% CI 1.01, 2.53) more likely to belong to a lower vitamin D category
compared to NWNA. Within AA, there was a negative trend between vitamin D levels and the number of reported
asthma severity indicators.
Conclusions: Levels of vitamin D tend to be lower among asthmatic compared to non-asthmatic children and in
those with severe asthma independent of important confounders.
Keywords: Adolescents, Asthma, Asthma severity, Vitamin D levels, Vitamin D status
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