Did you know that vitamin D plays a central role in lung health?
Vitamin D functions in the respiratory system to:
●Protect against infection
●Support immune cell function (white blood cells) in the throat, airways and lungs
●Help regenerate the protective endothelial barriers
●Regulate the inflammatory response and prevent cytokine storm
●Vitamin D Functions to Directly Protect the Lungs
COPD is usually caused by long-term smoking and/or air pollution. People with COPD experience a gradual decline in lung function, which can lead to breathing difficulties and other symptoms. Vitamin D can influence the onset and progression of COPD through multiple mechanisms. Vitamin D can regulate the function of the immune system and reduce lung inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby reducing symptoms in COPD patients. Vitamin D can also improve lung function by promoting the growth and repair of lung cells. Vitamin D can reduce breathing difficulties and fatigue in COPD patients by regulating the function of the muscles and nervous system.
Pulmonary fibrosis is usually caused by fibrosis and scarring of the lung tissue. Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include difficulty breathing, dry cough and chest pain. Recent vitamin D may improve symptoms in people with pulmonary fibrosis by reducing inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs. Vitamin D inhibits the proliferation and differentiation of fibrotic cells and promotes the growth and repair of lung cells, thereby preventing fibrosis and scarring of lung tissue.