Vitamin D and respiratory infections

Vitamin D or 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2 D) has a well-established role in calcium homeostasis. In recent years, the discovery of vitamin D-metabolizing enzymes and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the lungs and various cells of the immune system has led to numerous studies conducted to evaluate its role in respiratory functions and, in particular, upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). A PubMed literature search was done using vitamin D and respiratory infections as key words. Only clinical studies were considered. This study aimed to review recent clinical and epidemiological studies conducted in adults and children, and to evaluate the functional role of vitamin D in respiratory infections. The evaluated studies show an important immunomodulatory role of vitamin D, which reduces the incidence and risk of URTIs, both in children and in adults. Combating URTIs can be done prophylactically, associating the use of vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae with strengthening the immune system through supplementation with vitamin D. These actions can significantly contribute to reducing the number of URTIs, the use of antibiotics, and consequently, the rates of antimicrobial resistance.

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Could nutritional supplements act as therapeutic adjuvants in COVID-19?

Italian Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1186/s13052-021-00990-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 47 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Giorgio Costagliola ◽

Erika Spada ◽

Pasquale Comberiati ◽

Diego G. Peroni

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Immune System ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Nutritional Supplements ◽

Organ Damage ◽

Immunomodulatory Activity ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Potential Applicability ◽

Few Data

Abstract Background The role of the immune system and inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of the severe manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is well known. Currently, different therapies active on the immune system are used for the management of COVID-19. The involvement of the immune system also opens the opportunity for the use of nutritional supplements with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity. Main aspects Nutritional supplements with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity are promising therapeutic adjuvants for the treatment of COVID-19, and also for the prevention of viral spreading. In particular, the role of vitamin D, probiotics, lactoferrin, and zinc is of significant clinical interest, although there are only a few data on their use in COVID-19 patients. Their molecular actions, together with the results of studies performed on other respiratory infections, strongly suggest their potential utility in COVID-19. This article discusses the main properties of these nutritional supplements and their potential applicability in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Conclusion The supplementation with vitamin D, probiotics, lactoferrin and zinc could have a role both in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and in mitigating the clinical course in infected patients, contributing in the prevention of immune-mediated organ damage.

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Dramatic Increase in Dietary Supplement Use During Covid-19

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab029_008 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 207-207

Author(s):

Elif Aysin ◽

Murat Urhan

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Immune System ◽

Dietary Supplements ◽

Dietary Supplement ◽

Nutritional Deficiencies ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Mineral Supplement ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Dietary Supplement Use ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives When the SARS-CoV-2 Virus was seen in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019, people's interest in vitamin and mineral supplement use has increased all over the world. This study aims to investigate changes in supplement use during pandemic on Turkish people living in Asia, America, Europe and Turkey. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was carried out among total 1678 individuals (women, n = 1329 and men, n = 369, Asia n = 139, America n = 507, Europe n = 292 and Turkey n = 760) older than 18 years in January 2021. An online questionnaire was taken by the volunteered participants. In this study, individuals were asked about dietary supplement use before and after the pandemic, which dietary supplements they used in the pandemic process, and why they were used. Results Individual's dietary supplement use before and during the pandemic were Asia (29.5% and 71.9%), America (40.6% and 75.7%), Europe (30.8% and 68.7%), and Turkey (21.3% and 62.2%) respectively. Vitamin C (74.7%), Vitamin D (58.2%) and multi vitamins (34.2%), Zinc (19.7%), Fish oil (17.9%), Probiotics (13.4%), and Propolis (11.1%) are the most commonly used dietary supplements in all regions. Individuals stated that improving the immune system was the main reason to use dietary supplements (53%). Individuals use it as a result of the diagnosis of nutritional deficiency (14%). The maximum use of dietary supplements in all regions is in between the ages of 31–50. Conclusions This study showed that dietary supplement use increased during the pandemic in all regions. Although most of the individuals stated that they took supplements to strengthen the immune system, it is known that supplements do not prevent Covid-19. However, it has been stated that the use of vitamin D, C, Zinc and selenium supplements may be beneficial, especially in those with diagnosed nutritional deficiencies and those with upper respiratory tract infections. Healthy individuals should be made aware of supplements and usage conditions. Funding Sources None

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Recurrent Infections

Pediatrics in Review ◽

10.1542/pir.11.6.180 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 180-182

Author(s):

Richard Hong

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Recurrent Infections ◽

Recurrent Respiratory Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

Recurrent infections constitute a major challenge to primary care physicians. Primary immunodeficiency or other alterations of the host defense system are extremely rare. In the case of recurrent respiratory infections, particularly of the lungs, a diagnosis will result much more often from ordering a sweat chloride test than a serum immunoglobulin level. RECURRENT RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS The major reason for referral to our clinic for investigation of the immune system is a complaint of too many upper respiratory tract infections. Each respiratory infection in a young child means loss of sleep for child and parents, expenditure of time at the physician's office, and possible loss of income in addition to the expense of medication and office visits. The child is often irritable and his or her misery clouds the home atmosphere. With repeated episodes of this sort each year, it is small wonder that parents want relief. The average number of upper respiratory tract infections experienced by healthy children is approximately 9 to 10 per year. At least 100 viruses can cause the common cold. Accordingly, even when a child has a normal immune system establishing immunity to each virus or virus subtype, it can take many years for a broad enough immunity to develop to diminish the frequency of infection due to newly encountered respiratory viruses.

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Role of Multistrain Probiotic as Supportive Therapy in Reducing the Frequency and Severity of Respiratory Infections in Children

10.53350/pjmhs2115103166 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (10) ◽

pp. 3166-3169

Author(s):

Riffat Farrukh ◽

Shaheen Masood ◽

Amber Naseer ◽

Qamar Rizvi ◽

Sarwat sultana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Tract ◽

Standard Therapy ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Supportive Therapy ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Group I ◽

Group Ii ◽

Tract Infections

Background: Respiratory tract infection is a disease that can result in high mortality and morbidity. Factors related with severe respiratory infections in children comprise the age of young children, male sex, malnutrition, incomplete vaccination status and breastfeeding only children. This analysis targets the Role of multi-strain probiotics as supportive therapy in reducing the frequency and severity of respiratory infections among children. Place and Duration: In the Pediatric Medicine department of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi for six months duration from January 2021 to June 2021. Methods: This was a randomized controlled study in 74 children aged 2 months to 5 years with respiratory infections receiving standard therapy and multi strains probiotics versus standard therapy and placebo. The assessment regarding treatment was done in both groups. Results following 7 days of adjuvant treatment alienated into group I (n = 37) (standard therapy and multi strains probiotics) and II Group (n = 37) (placebo and standard therapy). The factors evaluated in this analysis included subject characteristics, duration of stay, duration of fever, dyspnea, withdrawal, C-reactive protein, rales, breast history and probiotics use. The analysis of data was accomplished using SPSS version 20.0. Results: The males were 51.4% and females were 49.6%), breastfeeding (83.8% in Group-I vs 67.6% in Group-II), children who were not malnourished (81.1% in Group-I vs 86.5% in Group-II), and children who completed vaccination history (91.9% in Group-I versus 78.4% in Group-II). As shown in Table 1 in groups I and II, correspondingly, the mean concentration of CRP in subjects diagnosed with respiratory infections was not statistically significant in 1st group (30.10 (20.01-44.60 mg / l), relative to Group II (28.23 (19.20-46.12 mg / l), respectively (P = 0.39).Multivariate analysis with Ancova showed that probiotics can significantly decrease the time of Rale by 5.84 hours (p = 0.021, CI 95% -10.90 - (- 0.87). Conclusions: In this study, it was found that multi strains probiotic therapy significantly reduced the duration of Rale among children with infections of the upper respiratory tract. Keywords: Respiratory tract infections, children, multi strain probiotics, efficiency.

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Vitamin D status in healthy Romanian caregivers and risk of respiratory infections

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980012000158 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. 2157-2162 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Alina C Porojnicu ◽

Ruxandra Moroti-Constantinescu ◽

Andrei Laslau ◽

Zoya Lagunova ◽

Arne Dahlback ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Sun Exposure ◽

Population Level ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Vitamin D Status ◽

Hospital Employees ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the vitamin D status during winter of a healthy population of hospital employees and to assess the correlation between vitamin D status and risk of infections in the upper respiratory tract.DesignOne hundred and ten healthy volunteers answered a questionnaire on their solar exposure habits and vitamin D intake and delivered one blood sample for quantification of vitamin D level (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration) during December 2007–January 2008. At the end of the winter we screened for the occurrence of respiratory infections and sought associations with vitamin D status.SettingBucharest, Romania, 45°N.SubjectsOne hundred and ten healthy hospital employees.ResultsEighty per cent of participants were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D level below 50 nmol/l). The main determinant of serum 25(OH)D was sun exposure during the summer previous to the study (P = 0·02 in multivariate analysis). Intake of vitamin D, BMI and age played no significant role for the level of 25(OH)D. Overall we found a non-significant negative correlation between 25(OH)D level and new cases of infection (Spearman correlation coefficient of −0·12, P = 0·2).ConclusionsVitamin D status is alarmingly poor in active, relatively young women residing in Romania. If our results are reproduced by other investigations, action to improve vitamin D status at the population level is necessary. We were not able to show a statistically significant relationship between vitamin D status and infection risk in our material.

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A randomized controlled trial of vitamin D3 supplementation for the prevention of symptomatic upper respiratory tract infections

Epidemiology and Infection ◽

10.1017/s0950268809002404 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 137 (10) ◽

pp. 1396-1404 ◽

Cited By ~ 111

Author(s):

M. LI-NG ◽

J. F. ALOIA ◽

S. POLLACK ◽

B. A. CUNHA ◽

M. MIKHAIL ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D3 ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Vitamin D3 Supplementation ◽

25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

SUMMARYVitamin D has been shown to be an important immune system regulator. Vitamin D insufficiency during winter may cause increased susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). To determine whether vitamin D supplementation during the winter season prevents or decreases URI symptoms, 162 adults were randomized to receive 50 μg vitamin D3 (2000 IU) daily or matching placebo for 12 weeks. A bi-weekly questionnaire was used to record the incidence and severity of URI symptoms. There was no difference in the incidence of URIs between the vitamin D and placebo groups (48 URIs vs. 50 URIs, respectively, P=0·57). There was no difference in the duration or severity of URI symptoms between the vitamin D and placebo groups [5·4±4·8 days vs. 5·3±3·1 days, respectively, P=0·86 (95% CI for the difference in duration −1·8 to 2·1)]. The mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D level at baseline was similar in both groups (64·3±25·4 nmol/l in the vitamin D group; 63·0±25·8 nmol/l in the placebo group; n.s.). After 12 weeks, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels increased significantly to 88·5±23·2 nmol/l in the vitamin D group, whereas there was no change in vitamin D levels in the placebo group. There was no benefit of vitamin D3 supplementation in decreasing the incidence or severity of symptomatic URIs during winter. Further studies are needed to determine the role of vitamin D in infection.

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HNP-1 and HBD-1 as Biomarkers for the Immune Systems of Elite Basketball Athletes

Antibiotics ◽

10.3390/antibiotics9060306 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 306 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Raffaela Pero ◽

Mariarita Brancaccio ◽

Cristina Mennitti ◽

Luca Gentile ◽

Adelaide Franco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Biological Activities ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Muscle Metabolism ◽

Free Testosterone ◽

Strenuous Exercise ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Human Defensins

Acute or strenuous exercise is sometimes related to upper respiratory tract infections in athletes. Practicing intense and regular exercise can lead to incorrect activation of the immune system, causing athletes to be excluded from training programs and competitions. Defensins are small antimicrobial peptides that are part of the innate immune system and dynamically involved in several biological activities. In this study, we highlight the role of human defensins in competitive basketball athletes. In particular, we consider the behavior of alpha- and beta-defensins together with white blood cells in a cohort of players. Moreover, we focus our attention on cortisol, a physiological indicator of stress, and testosterone, both of which are human hormones involved in muscle metabolism. The free-testosterone/cortisol ratio is considered to be an indicator of overtraining among athletes. This paper provides an up-to-date information of the role of human defensins as self-defense molecules during a continuous stressor such as long-term exercise, and it recognizes them as potential markers of infection.

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Vitamin D and respiratory infection in adults

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665111003351 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 71 (1) ◽

pp. 90-97 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Ilkka Laaksi

Keyword(s):

Vitamin D ◽

Vitamin D Insufficiency ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Uvb Radiation ◽

Promoter Regions ◽

Vitamin D Receptors ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

Tract Infections

Vitamin D insufficiency is a global issue that has significant implications for health. The classical role of vitamin D in bone mineralisation is well known; vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis. The role of vitamin D in an immune system is less known. Vitamin D is not an actual vitamin but a secosteroid hormone produced in the skin from 7-dehydrocholesterol after exposure to sunlight UVB radiation. Nutrition and supplements are main sources of vitamin D in wintertime in northern countries as sunlight exposure is inadequate for the production. For activation vitamin D needs to be hydroxylated in liver to form 25-hydroxyvitamin D and in kidney to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, the most active hormone in Ca absorption in the gut. For determination of vitamin D status serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, the major circulating form of the hormone is to be measured. Vitamin D regulates gene expression through binding with vitamin D receptors, which dimerises with retinoid X receptor. This complex binds to vitamin D-responsive elements inside the promoter regions of vitamin D-responsive genes. Vitamin D has a key role in innate immunity activation; the production of antimicrobial peptides (cathelicidin and defensins) following Toll-like receptor stimulation by pathogen lipopeptides is dependent on sufficient level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Clinically, there is evidence of the association of vitamin D insufficiency and respiratory tract infections. There is also some evidence of the prevention of infections by vitamin D supplementation. Randomised controlled trials are warranted to explore this preventive effect.

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PERAN IBU DALAM PENINGKATAN SISTEM IMUN ANAK DENGAN INFEKSI SALURAN PERNAFASAN AKUT

Jurnal Keperawatan ◽

10.32583/keperawatan.v11i2.422 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 79-86

Author(s):

Cindy Ayustin Noya ◽

Angkit Kinasih ◽

Venti Agustina ◽

R.Rr Maria Dyah Kurniasari

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Acute Respiratory Infection ◽

Lower Respiratory Tract ◽

Research Method ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Acute Respiratory Infections ◽

Clean Environment ◽

History Of ◽

Qualitative Descriptive

Infeksi saluran pernafasan akut atau yang sering disebut ISPA merupakan infeksi pada saluran pernafasan baik saluran pernafasan atas atau bawah.ISPA juga kebanyakan terjadi pada anak balita karena daya tahan tubuh mereka tidak kuat dalam menghadapi penyakit ISPA. ISPA mengakibatkan kematiansekitar15%-20% per tahun pada usia balita di Negara berkembang. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan menganalisa peran ibu dalam meningkatkan sistem imun anak dengan ISPA.Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan sampel purposive sampling.Populasi dan sampel penelitian ini adalah ibu yang mempunyai anak dengan riwayat dan saat ini menderita penyakit ISPA di Batu Gajah Kota Ambon.Partisipan dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 5 orang. Hasil dari penelitian mendapati 4 kategori yaitu pemberian nutrisi pada anak untuk memenuhi kebutuhan agar sistem imunnya terjaga, kebersihan lingkungan, peran ibu dalam melakukan pencegahan pada anaknya yang mengalami ISPA, dan peran ibu dalam menjaga dan mempertahankan kesehatan anaknya. Kata kunci: peran ibu, sistem imun, ispa THE ROLE OF MOTHERS IN INCREASING IMMUNE SYSTEM OF CHILDREN WITH ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION ABSTRACT Acute respiratory infections or often called ARI is an infection of the upper or lower respiratory tract. ARI occurs mostly in children under the age of five because their endurance is not strong in dealing with ARI. ARI results in deaths of around 15%-20% per year at the age of under-five in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the role of mothers in improving the immune system of children against ARI. The research method used in this study was qualitative descriptive with a purposive sampling sample. Respondents and samples of this study were five mothers who had children with a history of ARI and currently suffering from the disease in Batu Gajah, Ambon City. The results of the study found 4 categories, namely providing nutrition to children to meet their needs so that their immune systems are maintained, clean environment, mother's role in preventing children with ARI, and mother's role to preserve and maintain the health of their children. The findings indicated that in terms of coping or improving the immune system of a child to avoid ARI, it is necessary to have role the of mothers in providing nutrition so that the immune system is boosted, besides that the mother can prevent and protect her child from various diseases, especially ARI. Keywords: role of mothers, immune system, acute respiratory infections

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Role of glucuronidated 25-hydroxyvitamin D on colon gene expression in mice

AJP Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajpgi.00355.2019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 319 (2) ◽

pp. G253-G260

Author(s):

Carmen J. Reynolds ◽

Nicholas J. Koszewski ◽

Ronald L. Horst ◽

Donald C. Beitz ◽

Jesse P. Goff

Keyword(s):

Gene Expression ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Hydroxyvitamin D ◽

25 Hydroxyvitamin D

We found that 25OHD-Gluc, an endogenously produced metabolite, is delivered to the colon via bile to induce vitamin D-mediated responses in the colon.

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