Abstract

PAEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AND VITAMIN D

Aiwa Avarachan*, Bincy T. Abraham, K. Krishnakumar and Reshma Raju

ABSTRACT

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among paediatrics are categorized as the main reasons for both physician visits and hospital admissions, being related with significant morbidity and mortality. Various studies revealed that an increased risk of RTIs are due to vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D supplementation is the possible preventive measure against RTIs. Pubmed and Medline literature search was done using respiratory tract infections and vitamin D as key words. Papers for citation were selected by the authors on the basis of quality and relevance. The principal aim of this review is to encapsulate the recent evidence from the literature about the association between vitamin D and RTIs in children.

Keywords: Respiratory tract infections, Vitamin D, Children, Immunomodulatory effect, Vitamin D supplementation.