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 Vitamin D and Lung Health
Studies have shown that vitamin D is beneficial in preventing osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A recent study also suggests that it is helpful in improving lung function. The Third Annual National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted from 1988-1994 on a nationwide sample of approximately 33,994 people. It was designed to gain information on the health and nutritional status of people through interviews and direct physical examinations. The data has been used to study over 30 topics. A recent study used this data, which included 14,091 people, and found vitamin D intake to be closely linked to improved lung function. After controlling for numerous factors, the difference in lung function between the people in the top 20% getting the most vitamin D intake and those in the bottom 20% getting the least intake was even greater than the difference in lung function between nonsmokers and smokers.
It seems that vitamin D is more important for lung health than anyone realized before. Further research is needed to find out if vitamin D may be helpful for lung ailments. In the meantime, get daily exposure to sunshine (15-20 minutes). Excessive sun exposure and sunburns are not good for your health, but some regular sun exposure in small, frequent doses is beneficial. If sunshine is limited where you live, aim to get vitamin D from your diet for from a supplement.
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