Hypovitaminosis D and OSAS in children: is there any relationship?

Vitamin D is known to possess anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. It has been proposed that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in increasing the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by promoting adenotonsillar hypertrophy, reduced airway muscle tone, and chronic rhinitis. In addition, a recent study demonstrated a positive association between vitamin D deficiency and sleep architecture, suggesting a possible circadian influence. Currently, however, the complex relationships between hypovitaminosis D and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are still incomplete.  A recent study by an Italian group evaluated the possible relationship between serum vitamin D levels and OSAS severity in a population of 127 children with sleep-disordered breathing. The 25(OH)D levels and BMI of OSAS patients were compared with those of an age-matched control group. It was shown that serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in OSAS patients than in controls; moreover, the mean value of 25(OH)D was not significantly lower (20.9 ng/mL) in the severe OSAS group than in the mild (23.0 ng/mL) and moderate (23.3 ng/mL) groups (p value = 0.28). These results indicate a relationship between serum vitamin D levels and the severity of OSAS in children. However, future larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Reference
Locci C. et al. Relationships between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Children: An Observational Study. J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12, 1242