Vitamin D levels are associated with respiratory function and health, research from Australia shows.

The study, “Vitamin D and respiratory health in the Busselton Healthy Ageing Study,” was published in the journal Respirology. Vitamin D is well-known for its importance in regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, thereby maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.

Abnormal levels of the vitamin have been associated with respiratory illness and reduced lung function. Immune modulation and effects on lung structure are among the proposed mechanisms underlying these effects. However, more information is needed to better understand this relationship, especially regarding the role of diverse confounding factors.