ASTHMA

Why Low Vitamin D Levels Are Causing Severe Asthma Attacks

Only 5 to 37 percent of American infants meet the standard for vitamin D set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A study followed more than 1,000 children with asthma for four years, and found those with vitamin D insufficiency were more likely to have an asthma attack that required a trip to the hospital. The researchers found that just by having adequate levels of vitamin D, the children's asthma attacks can be reduced by 50 percent. But how does a vitamin decrease the chances of an attack? Vitamin D has an inverse relationship with respiratory infections. You can decrease your chances of an infection and improve your overall lung health by having the right levels. This is due to vitamin D being involved in the upregulation of a specific gene that produces over 200 antimicrobial peptides that can essentially work like a natural antibiotic.  How do I know if I have vitamin D insufficiency? There are many different factors that your vitamin D status is dependant on, such as the color of your skin, your location, and how much sunlight you're exposed to on a regular basis.  The only accurate way to determine your levels is to get your blood tested. You'll want to have at least 50 ng/mL and even as high as 80-90 ng/mL year-round if possible. With asthma increasing by more than 300 percent over the last two decades and now affecting more than 20 million Americans, who knew the possible answer to this incredible rise in vitamin D insufficiency was right outside your door.