Evaluation of serum 25-hidroxy vitamin D and zinc levels in asthmatic patients

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the impact of serum zinc, and vitamin D levels on the development of asthma, and its clinical characteristics. Methods: In our cross-sectional study; 50 patients who were diagnosed as atopic asthma and 70 healthy children consisted the control group. In both groups levels of vitamin D, and zinc were analyzed. Results: A statistically significant intergroup difference was not detected as for age, gender, body height (percentile), and weight (percentile) of the patients (p > 0.05). Mean vitamin D levels in the asthmatic patient, and control groups were 32.61 +/- 9.48 nmol/L, and 42.55 +/- 15.42 nmol/L, respectively. Between two groups a statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.001). Zinc levels were higher in the control group without any statistically significant difference between groups (p = 0.25). A statistically significant negative correlation (-0.635) was found between vitamin D levels, and severity of asthma in the patient group. As the level of vitamin D increased, a decrease in severity of asthma was seen (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Though larger series are needed to arrive at definitive conclusions, we think that vitamin D deficiency rather than zinc deficiency, might convey importance in the emergence, and exacerbation of asthma.