Vitamin D supplementation and respiratory infections in children

Vitamin D is known to play an important role in bone metabolism through regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis and may also play an important role in immune system regulation. Vitamin D is produced by the body during exposure to sunlight, but is also found in oily fish, eggs and fortified food products.

In addition to causing rickets, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and bronchiolitis. Pneumonia is a severe form of acute lower respiratory tract infection and is the leading cause of death in children worldwide.

Some studies have suggested that vitamin D supplementation can decrease the frequency and severity of respiratory infections among children, however further research is needed before specific recommendations can be made.