Wellness Wednesday

Vitamin D to Help You Breathe

Maybe Sunny D has more uses than we thought before...

An independent review by Cochrane research body of nine separate clinical trials revealed that vitamin D might be responsible for cutting the rate of asthma attacks that need steroid treatment. More research is needed to see whether vitamin D only helped those who were already vitamin D deficient already, however. Overall the study found that taking the supplement cut the need of hospitalization from asthma attacks from 6% to 3%. and the rate of those needing steroid treatment dropped from 0.44 to 0.28. The review, which was conducted using 435 children and 658 adults, only looked at patients who were already diagnosed with mild to moderate asthma, therefore looking at those diagnosed with severe asthma would warrant more study to see if vitamin D would benefit them as well.

Here are some other facts about vitamin D to give you more background about the supplement:

• It is found in food and made in the body when exposed to sunshine, making autumn and winter months the best time to look at taking the supplement.
• limited amounts of the vitamin are found in fish, eggs, and cereals.
• Low vitamin intake can lead to rickets and brittle bones in children.
• Vitamin D can boost immunity.
• Vitamin D should be taken with care, so consult your physician before taking the supplement.