University of Surrey Study: Vitamin D Deficiency Increases Respiratory Infection Risk

A new study led by the University of Surrey has found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the risk of hospital admissions for respiratory infections. Vitamin D, which is made by the body using sunlight and found in foods such as oily fish, red meat, and egg yolks, is vital for bone and muscle health. The research suggests that people with a severe vitamin D deficiency (below 15 nmol/L) were a third more likely to be admitted to hospital with conditions including bronchitis and pneumonia. Abi Bournot, lead author from the University of Surrey, said the "antibacterial and antiviral properties" of vitamin D are thought to help reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections." She said: "This research attaches hard data to support the theory. "Despite its importance to our overall health, many people are deficient and do not meet the government's recommended intake of 10 microgrammes of vitamin D per day." Researchers, including from the universities of Oxford and Reading, analysed NHS data from 36,258 people to undertake the study. They found that, for each 10 nmol/l increase in vitamin D, the hospital admission rate for respiratory tract infections fell by 4%.