Vitamin D and respiratory infections in infants and toddlers: a nutri-shine perspective

ABSTRACT: There is compelling evidence of a global problem of poor vitamin D status in expecting mothers and postnatal life; and even more critical, is the evidence showing the association of vitamin D deficiency with increased morbidity and mortality risks from respiratory infections. Viral and bacterial pneumonia kills more children than any other illness, accounting for 19 % of all deaths in children less than five years of age worldwide; and under-nutrition, which includes vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency, has been implicated in 53 % of all these deaths. Poor vitamin D status is a result of insufficient sunlight exposure and/or poor dietary intake. Greater understanding of the role of vitamin D deficiency in precipitating lung infections grew from the use of rodent models and observational and

SUBMITTER: Balan K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7123025 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature