The role of vitamin D in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Abstract

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a common disorder of multifactorial pathogenesis and is associated with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin with an important function in calcium absorption and homeostasis, which is also implicated in several nonskeletal conditions. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is increasing worldwide and is associated with similar metabolic disturbances to OSAS. Moreover, recent data suggest that in OSAS patients serum levels of vitamin D are lower compared with non-apnoeic subjects. However, the mechanisms linking vitamin D deficiency and OSAS are not completely understood and several hypotheses have been advanced. To date, a limited number of studies have assessed the association between lower serum concentrations of vitamin D and OSAS, and have reported inconsistent results. Similarly, contradictory results have been produced by studies which evaluated the effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on serum vitamin D levels. The aim of this review is to summarise current knowledge on the association between OSAS and vitamin D levels.Key pointsVitamin D insufficiency prevalence is increasing worldwide and presents with similar comorbidities and risk factors to OSAS.The nonskeletal actions of vitamin D may contribute to the development of OSAS through immune system modulation, myopathy and inflammation.Studies evaluating serum vitamin D concentrations in OSAS patients and the effect of CPAP treatment report contradictory results, often influenced by confounding factors, such as obesity.There appears to be potential for use of vitamin D supplementation in OSAS patients as a means of reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, a comorbidity common in both conditions.Educational aimsTo assess the potential association between OSAS and serum levels of vitamin D.To discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms linking OSAS and vitamin D insufficiency.To illustrate the effect of CPAP treatment on vitamin D concentration in OSAS patients.

The Effects of Dietary Nutrition on Sleep and Sleep Disorders

“…When examining each individual studies, most studies indeed suggested positive correlation of vitamin D intake and sleep quality. Moreover, there is an association between serum vitamin D levels and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome [ 75 ]. The mechanism regarding the role of vitamin D in sleep is yet to be confirmed, possibly related with inflammation and oxidative stress [ 75 ].…”

The Crucial Role of Oxygen for Health

“…Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with an increased risk for OSA. 92 The relationship of reduced vitamin D levels with the development of OSA is thought to be due to the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and immune system modulation, myopathy, and inflammation. 92 Insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids may also be linked to sleep apnea.…”

“…92 The relationship of reduced vitamin D levels with the development of OSA is thought to be due to the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and immune system modulation, myopathy, and inflammation. 92 Insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids may also be linked to sleep apnea. Ladesich and colleagues observed the association between RBC levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and OSA severity in 350 patients involved in sleep studies.…”

Reduced Serum Vitamin D Levels Are Associated with Insulin Resistance in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

“…Vit D insufficiency is implicated in several pulmonary diseases, such as viral and bacterial respiratory infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer [9]. In addition, accumulating data point to an association between serum Vit D levels and presence of OSAS [10,11,12]. Vit D has been shown to be associated with glucose homeostasis, affecting insulin sensitivity as well as the β-cell function [13].…”