Peter Black Lung Quotations

I don't think we have enough information based on this study alone to justify that sort of recommendation. I think the take-away message is that low vitamin D levels are not desirable. This doesn't just relate to lung function. A low vitamin D level is linked to bone disease, and an association has been suggested between low vitamin D levels and other diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. The commonest reason for having a low vitamin D level is avoidance of sun exposure. While excessive sun exposure can cause damage to the skin, it is not desirable to completely avoid sun exposure if one is to maintain normal vitamin D levels.

We don't know what the mechanism is. The effect of vitamin D on bones is well recognized, but vitamin D can also influence the growth of other types of cells in the body and the formation of connective tissue by other types of cells in the body. The tissues in the lung undergo a process of renewal and remodeling throughout life, and it is conceivable that vitamin D may influence this, but further work is necessary to find out if this is the case.

Although there is a definite relationship between lung function and vitamin D, it is unclear if increases in vitamin D through supplements or dietary intake will actually improve lung function in patients with chronic respiratory diseases.

As far as we are aware, this is the first time that anyone has identified this association between lung function and vitamin D.

The difference in lung function between the highest and lowest quintiles of vitamin D is substantial and greater than the difference between former and nonsmokers.