Does vitamin D3 supplementation improve ventilatory function of Vitamin D deficient COPD patients? - A randomized controlled trial

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on ventilatory function in vitamin D3 deficient patients with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Materials and Method: A double blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out on 40 vitamin D3 deficient [serum vitamin D (25(OH) D) <30 ng/ml], male, smoker (>4 pack years), stable COPD (post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC<0.70) patients (age 40 to 80 years), and randomly allocated as study (n=20) and control (n=20). Their baseline ventilatory (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, PEFR, FEF 25-75) were measured. Then oral capsules of vitamin D3 [80,000 IU /week for 13 weeks, followed by 40,000 IU per one to six weeks for further 13 weeks, according to serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels] and placebo were provided to ‘Study’ and ‘Control’ patients, respectively, for consecutive 26 weeks. Additionally, all patients of both groups were also advised to have sunlight exposure (within 11 to 14 hours) at least for 5 to 15 minutes daily on 26th week of follow up, and all the ventilatory variables were again measured. Results were expressed as mean±SD and percentage. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS (Version 16), using independent sample ‘t’ test and paired Student’s ‘t’ test, where p≤0.05 level was accepted as significant. Results: None of ventilatory variables were improved, in our vitamin D3-supplemented patients than those with placebo after 26 weeks of follow up. Conclusion: Vitamin D3 supplementation cannot improve ventilatory variables in vitamin D3 deficient stable patients of COPD. J Med Coll Women Hosp.2025; 21 (1):13-22