Efficacy of high-dose vitamin D in pediatric asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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#adolescent #asthma #child #child-preschool #clinical-trials-as-topic

Efficacy of high-dose vitamin D in pediatric asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Pojsupap et al., 2015 | J Asthma | Meta Analysis

Citation

Pojsupap Supichaya, Iliriani Klevis, ... McNally James Dayre. Efficacy of high-dose vitamin D in pediatric asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Asthma. 2015-May;52(4):382-90. doi:10.3109/02770903.2014.980509

Abstract

CONTEXT: Observational studies have suggested a relationship between vitamin D status and asthma-related respiratory outcomes. The benefit of vitamin D supplementation for pulmonary function, symptoms and exacerbations is not well established. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review paediatric clinical trials investigating the role of vitamin D on asthma-related respiratory outcomes. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched until January 2014. No date or language restrictions. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical trials reporting asthma-related respiratory outcomes following vitamin D administration at a dose equal or greater than 500 IU per day were included and reviewed independently by two authors for full systematic review eligibility. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted and verified pre-defined data fields. RESULTS: We identified five studies that met study eligibility and assessed final data synthesis. The median trial size was 48 participants (range 17-430) and the average daily dose of cholecalciferol ranged from 500 to 2000 IU/day. Overall study methodological quality was high, but some heterogeneity in population and vitamin D dosing regimen was evident. Meta-analysis suggested a statistically significant reduction (RR 0.41, CI 0.27-0.63) in asthma exacerbation with vitamin D therapy. LIMITATIONS: Due to variability in outcome selection and missing data, it was not possible to perform meta-analysis for pulmonary function testing and asthma symptom scores. Vitamin D-related adverse events were not considered in four of five papers. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence from this systematic review suggests that high dose vitamin D may prevent asthma exacerbation. This should be confirmed through larger well-designed randomised controlled trials.

Key Findings

We identified five studies that met study eligibility and assessed final data synthesis. The median trial size was 48 participants (range 17-430) and the average daily dose of cholecalciferol ranged from 500 to 2000 IU/day. Overall study methodological quality was high, but some heterogeneity in population and vitamin D dosing regimen was evident. Meta-analysis suggested a statistically significant reduction (RR 0.41, CI 0.27-0.63) in asthma exacerbation with vitamin D therapy.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 48
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asthma
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Vitamin D

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-d

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09