Relationship between vitamin D and asthma from gestational to adulthood period: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous studies investigating vitamin D, its impact on asthma is still unknown. The aim of our meta-analysis is to analyze the vitamin D supplementation influence on asthma prevention and treatment ranging from gestational to adulthood period. METHODS: Fifteen randomized clinical trials were included after database search. Studies contained the analyzed endpoints: the number of asthma and wheezing occurrence in gestational and infantile periods, the change of childhood/adult asthma control test score and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in childhood and adulthood periods. Random effects model was used to calculate effect sizes. RESULTS: Supplementation by women during pregnancy period decreased the wheezing occurrence in their children by 23% (RR = 0.77; 95% CI [0.64; 0.92]; p < 0.0049, I(2) = 0%); whereas had no effect on given asthma parameters during the infantile period. Moreover, vitamin D administration had negative effect on the FEV1 change in children (MD = -3.84; 95% CI [-7.68; -0.01]; p = 0.0497; I(2) = 95%), but had positive effect on the change of ACT score in adults (MD = 1.80; 95% CI [0.12; 3.49]; p = 0.0359; I(2) = 99%). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed the varying results depending on patient's life period. It is important to further investigate the role of vitamin D supplementation in asthma management. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12890-023-02514-4.