Outcome
    Limited

    Vitamin D for Sleep Apnea Symptom Relief

    Vitamin D deficiency is common in sleep apnea but correcting it does not treat the apnea.

    Overview

    Vitamin D deficiency is common in sleep apnea but correcting it does not treat the apnea.

    Verdict

    Insufficient evidence

    How It Works

    Immune and inflammatory modulation; deficiency associates with apnea severity.

    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
    duration
    Trials ran 3-6 months
    co factor
    Evidence is insufficient. Vitamin D deficiency is common in obstructive sleep apnea and correlates with apnea-hypopnea index severity in observational studies, but the relationship is heavily confounded by obesity, which independently causes both - adiposity sequesters vitamin D and is the dominant risk factor for OSA. The few small intervention trials have not shown improvement in apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation or daytime sleepiness, and none has been adequately powered. There is no mechanism by which vitamin D would relieve upper airway collapse during sleep.
    titration
    Not applicable for this indication; 4,000 IU/day is the tolerable upper intake level
    starting dose
    Not established. Small trials used around 4,000 IU/day of vitamin D3

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    Observational studies consistently find lower 25(OH)D with more severe apnea, likely reflecting obesity and reduced outdoor activity. Intervention trials do not show improved apnea-hypopnea index.

    Vitamin D Improves Selected Metabolic Parameters but Not Neuropsychological or Quality of Life Indices in OSA: A Pilot Study

    Score: 5/10
    2017
    rct

    Kerley CP, Hutchinson K, Bramham J +1 more

    Although there was no change in neuropsychological or quality of life indices, we observed a significant increase in 25(OH)D and significant decreases in both low-density lipoprotein and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2

    View source

    Obstructive sleep apnea and vitamin D: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

    Score: 6/10
    2023
    meta_analysis
    n=5592

    Loh HH

    Patients with OSA have lower serum 25-OHD levels with a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, regardless of age or BMI.

    View source

    Vitamin D and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Score: 6/10
    2018
    meta_analysis
    n=4937

    Neighbors CLP, Noller MW, Song SA +1 more

    There was a relative insufficiency in serum 25(OH)D levels among OSA patients compared to control patients, which was incrementally exacerbated with increasing severity of sleep apnea

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    Does not replace CPAP. Correct deficiency for general health only.

    Less likely to help if

    Everyone - vitamin D does not affect upper airway collapse.

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    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.