Chronic lung disease link targeted in new research study

A link between chronic lung disease and low Vitamin D levels is the focus of a new study just started by the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

The study will investigate the relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and poor lung growth, which is thought to contribute to the development of chronic lung disease.

With respiratory infections one of the major reasons children are admitted to hospital this research is critical to understanding how deficiencies in key nutrients can impact on children's lung function, and in developing plans to combat the problem.

Previous Telethon Institute research has already indicated a link between Vitamin D levels and lung growth, with this new study taking the investigation further to determine the impact of the vitamin deficiency, when the damage occurs, and if it can be prevented.

"This research will help us determine if vitamin D deficiency has an impact on the development of healthy lungs in the womb and if this impact continues from birth through to adulthood" says Chief Investigator from the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Associate Professor Graeme Zosky.

"We'll also be looking at whether postnatal vitamin D deficiency is contributing to lung problems in children and what may be done to improve this."

The research will look at the timing of vitamin D deficiency during development to determine whether targeted treatments or intervention may assist with better lung growth and performance.

The study will use information collected from laboratory asthma models in combination with respiratory health data from the ground-breaking Raine Study.

This research is one of seven new research projects funded recently by the Federal Government's National Health and Medical Research Council.