Oxygen news: Study shows COPD sufferers may not have to worry about vitamin D
People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may use portable oxygen to cope with their condition, but they may not need to worry about their vitamin D levels.
Scientists led by Ken Kunisaki of the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center and published in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, studied 973 sufferers of the illness in the US.
Their findings were in direct contrast to those of earlier investigations and came as a surprise to the researchers.
Prior studies have shown a correlation between vitamin D deficiencies and lung problems, but it was discovered a lack of the mineral did not seem to be connected with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD).
"Contrary to what we expected, baseline vitamin D levels were not related to the risk of subsequent AECOPDs in this large group of COPD patients at high risk of AECOPD," Dr Kunisaki said.
Speaking to the BBC, consultant nurse in respiratory medicine June Roberts said keeping fit could make it easier to cope with COPD.
Posted by Stewart Elliott
07/11/2011 15:52:08
Subscribe to the News RSS feed
Related articles