Effects of Vitamin D on Respiratory Function and Immune Status for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37762/jgmds.13-3.890Keywords:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Vitamin D, Immune status, Respiratory function, Inflammation, Systematic reviewAbstract
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review recent evidence on the effects of vitamin D on respiratory function and immune status in patients with COPD.
BACKGROUND
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation, recurrent exacerbations, systemic inflammation, and impaired quality of life. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and has been investigated for its possible role in COPD progression and clinical outcomes.
METHODOLOGY
Eligible studies were identified through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Search terms included vitamin D, COPD, respiratory function, inflammation, and immune status. Original human studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included. Eligible study designs included randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, longitudinal studies, and cross-sectional studies. Reviews, meta-analyses, pilot studies, case reports, case series, editorials, conference abstracts, and animal studies were excluded. Study selection was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Data were extracted narratively, and methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool and Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal checklists.
RESULTS
A total of 512 records were identified, of which 18 original studies met the eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis. Most studies showed that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were associated with poorer lung function, greater symptom burden, increased risk of acute exacerbations, and higher inflammatory activity in COPD. Evidence from supplementation trials was inconsistent. Some studies reported improvement in exacerbation frequency and symptom scores, whereas others found no significant overall benefit.
CONCLUSION
Low vitamin D status appears to be associated with adverse respiratory and immune-inflammatory outcomes in patients with COPD. Current evidence does not support universal vitamin D supplementation for all COPD patients; however, assessment and correction of deficiency may be useful in selected high-risk or deficient patients. Further large, well-designed trials are needed to clarify the clinical relevance of vitamin D in COPD
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sikandar Ali Khan, Hina Hakim, Farzana Salman , Shamaila Wadud, Sara Yar Khan, Momina Haq
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