Associations between vitamin D and pulmonary function in chronic spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2019 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2018.1432305 · Published: January 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigated whether lower vitamin D levels are associated with decreased lung function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Previous research suggested a link between vitamin D and respiratory health in the general population. The researchers measured vitamin D levels and lung function in 312 participants with chronic SCI. They used statistical methods to analyze the relationship between vitamin D levels and lung function measurements. The study found no significant association between vitamin D levels and lung function in individuals with chronic SCI. This suggests that vitamin D levels may not be a key factor affecting lung function in this population.

Study Duration

5 years and 8 months (8/2009 and 4/2015)

Participants

312 participants (260 men and 52 women) with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
The study found no significant cross-sectional association between plasma vitamin D levels and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second) in individuals with chronic SCI.
2
Similarly, no significant association was found between plasma vitamin D levels and FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) in the studied cohort.
3
The ratio of FEV1/FVC also showed no significant association with plasma vitamin D levels in individuals with chronic SCI.

Research Summary

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between vitamin D levels and pulmonary function in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The study aimed to determine if lower vitamin D levels were associated with decreased pulmonary function, as suggested by previous research in non-SCI populations. The results of the study showed no significant associations between plasma vitamin D levels and measures of pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC) in this cohort of individuals with chronic SCI. These findings contrast with some studies in the general population that have reported a positive relationship between vitamin D and pulmonary function. The authors acknowledge limitations such as the cross-sectional design and the exclusion of individuals with the most reduced pulmonary function. They suggest that future longitudinal studies and trials of vitamin D supplementation may be warranted to further investigate the potential role of vitamin D in respiratory health in the SCI population.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Current clinical guidelines for vitamin D supplementation may not need to be altered based on pulmonary function in individuals with chronic SCI.

Future Research

Longitudinal studies and intervention trials are needed to further explore the potential role of vitamin D in respiratory health among individuals with SCI, particularly those with severe vitamin D deficiency.

Public Health

Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels may still be important for overall health in individuals with SCI, even if it does not directly impact pulmonary function.

Associations between vitamin D and pulmonary function in chronic spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Future Research

Public Health

Study Limitations

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Associations between vitamin D and pulmonary function in chronic spinal cord injury

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Future Research

Public Health

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?