Impact of Vitamin D on Respiratory Function and Immune Health on Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is categorized by limited airflow and enhances the chronic inflammatory response in the airway and lungs. The vitamin D (vitamin D) role as a fat-soluble immunomodulator properties in COPD patients gained attention, with some studies reporting its potential benefits in improving respiratory function and immune status. Objective: To know the impact of Vitamin D on respiratory function and immune health in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Methodology: This systemic review follows the guidelines according to PRISMA, including studies from 2017- 2021 to evaluate the impact of supplementation with vitamin D on the function of respiratory and immune status in COPD patients. The literature search was performed with databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Those studies included ‘case-control studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cohort studies’ fulfilling inclusion criteria Result A total of 17 studies met the inclusion of our review, with pooled analysis revealing improvement significantly in FEV1 (mean difference: +80 mL) and FVC (mean difference: +100 mL) among COPD patients receiving vit D supplementation. Furthermore, there was a reduction in the inflammatory marker (CRP and IL-6) and the incidence of respiratory infection was lower in the vitamin D group than in the control group. Conclusion The supplementation of vitamin D had an influence on respiratory function and immune status in COPD patients, particularly those with baseline vitamin D deficiency. However, variability in study designs and outcomes suggests a need for further research to solidify these findings and inform clinical practice.