Vitamin D for Sinus Relief
Low vitamin D is associated with chronic rhinosinusitis, but supplementation trials are lacking.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 1000-2000 IU/day if deficient
- Expected timeframe
- 12 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) with a fat-containing meal, if taken for general adequacy
- duration
- Not applicable
- co factor
- Evidence is insufficient. Observational studies report lower 25(OH)D in people with chronic rhinosinusitis, particularly with nasal polyps and in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, and there is a plausible mechanism through vitamin D effects on sinonasal epithelial antimicrobial peptides and dendritic cell regulation. No randomised controlled trial has tested whether supplementation improves sinus symptoms, polyp burden, endoscopic scores or SNOT-22 quality of life scores. The respiratory infection meta-analysis addressed acute respiratory infections broadly, not sinusitis specifically.
- titration
- Not applicable for this outcome; 4,000 IU/day is the tolerable upper intake level
- starting dose
- Not established. No randomised trial has tested vitamin D for sinusitis outcomes
Evidence
What the studies say
Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data
Martineau AR, Jolliffe DA, Hooper RL +3 more
Vitamin D reduced acute respiratory infection risk overall, with the largest benefit in deficient participants
Vitamin D supplementation and risk of acute respiratory tract infection: systematic review and meta-analysis
Martineau, A.R., Jolliffe, D.A., Hooper, R.L.
Vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of acute respiratory tract infection among all participants.
Safety
Caveats
Correct deficiency for general benefit rather than as a sinus treatment.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.