Allergy Asthma Respir Dis.  2017 Jul;5(4):223-227. 10.4168/aard.2017.5.4.223.

Serum micronutrients levels and clinical features of elderly asthmatics

• Lee SH
• Song WJ
• Park HW
• Kim SH
• Park HK
• Kim SH
• Kwon YE
• Kim TB
• Lee BJ
• Jee YK
• Choi BW
• Cho SH
• Kim SS

• KMID: 2387651
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4168/aard.2017.5.4.223

Abstract

PURPOSE
The prevalence of asthma in the elderly is rapidly increasing. However, we do not fully understand the pathogenesis of elderly asthma, especially for the roles of micronutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum levels of micronutrients, including several vitamins and minerals, and clinical features of the elderly asthmatics.
METHODS
A total of 317 asthmatics aged 65 or older were enrolled. Serum levels of vitamin D, vitamin B₁₂, folate, Mg, and Se were measured and then the associations between serum micronutrient levels and clinical features of elderly asthmatics were evaluated.
RESULTS
Positive correlations with significance among serum levels of vitamin B₁₂, vitamin D, and folate were found. Serum micronutrients levels showed no difference according to the atopic status and symptom severity. The serum folate level was significantly associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and serum vitamin B₁₂ and folate levels were significantly associated with serum total IgE level. Interestingly, elderly asthmatics with exacerbation history showed significantly lower serum levels of vitamin D and Mg, but significantly higher serum levels of Se.
CONCLUSION
Serum levels of micronutrients, such as vitamin D, vitamin B₁₂, Mg, folate, and Se, were significantly associated with some clinical features of elderly asthmatics. Clinical meanings of these associations need to be investigated further.

Keyword

Elderly; Asthma; Micronutrients

MeSH Terms

Aged*
Asthma
Folic Acid
Forced Expiratory Volume
Humans
Immunoglobulin E
Micronutrients*
Minerals
Miners
Prevalence
Vitamin D
Vitamins
Folic Acid
Immunoglobulin E
Micronutrients
Minerals
Vitamin D
Vitamins

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