Abstract

Vitamin D exerts besides its homeostatic functions on calcium and bone metabolism several immunological functions. Current data show that relative vitamin D deficiency (< 75 nmol/l 25-dydroxyvitamin D) as well as acquired seasonal vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/l) are frequent in Germany. As confirmed by own data, UV-exposition plays a major role for maintenance of the vitamin D status, e.g. in patients with UV-triggered diseases is vitamin D deficiency more frequent, even throughout the year. The beneficial impact of vitamin D on immune functions is highlighted by epidemiologic, genetic and experimental evidence. In the past years, numerous publications presented associations between vitamin D deficiency on one hand and severity and prevalence of allergic asthma in children and adults on the other hand.

German version published in Allergologie, Vol. 34, No. 11/2011, pp. 538-542

Author Details

Authors

• M. Worm
• G. Heine
• A. Radbruch

Departments

• Allergie-Centrum Charité, Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Charité Campus Mitte – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Address

Prof. Dr. med. Margitta Worm
Allergie-Centrum Charité
Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie
Charité Campus Mitte – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Charitéplatz 1
D–10117 Berlin
Email: [email protected]

Citation