Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Pneumonia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin D has been studied for its potential role in supporting the immune system and reducing the risk or severity of respiratory infections, including pneumonia. The rationale is based on the observation that vitamin D receptors are present on immune cells, and vitamin D can modulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Several observational studies have suggested that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, including pneumonia, especially in children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities. However, interventional studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have produced mixed results.

A 2017 meta-analysis published in the journal BMJ found that vitamin D supplementation modestly reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infections, with the greatest benefits seen in individuals with profound vitamin D deficiency. Some studies specifically focusing on pneumonia suggest a potential reduction in incidence or severity, but results are inconsistent and not universally replicated. Guidelines do not currently recommend vitamin D as a primary treatment for pneumonia, but it may be considered as an adjunct in populations at risk for deficiency. There is no strong evidence that vitamin D supplementation improves outcomes in patients already hospitalized with pneumonia.

Overall, while there is some scientific evidence suggesting a possible benefit—particularly in prevention among deficient individuals—the strength of evidence is low to moderate, and vitamin D should not replace standard medical treatments for pneumonia.

More about vitamin D
More about Pneumonia

Other health conditions supported by vitamin D

Acne
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Birth Defects (prevention)
Body Building
Broken Bones
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Celiac Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Erectile Dysfunction
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Grave's Disease
Grief and Sadness
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (cluster)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Knees (weak)
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leukemia
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Numbness
Nursing
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Pancreatitis
Paralysis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sciatica
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Senility
Tuberculosis