Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that contributes to lung development and alveologenesis in early life and alveolar repair and regeneration throughout adulthood. Vitamin D modulates lung development,1 pulmonary inflammation and innate immune defences.2 Given their central role in lung physiology and their potential as a point of intervention, several studies have examined the association of vitamin A and D intake and serum levels on lung function, although with conflicting results across ages and underlying mechanisms yet to be explored.
In this issue of Thorax, Sharma et al examined the association between plasma/serum levels of vitamins A and D and lung function in both children and adults with asthma.3 The authors also examined epigenetic mechanisms that could mediate this relationship, including miRNAs and DNA methylation. Applying a similar methodology to two cohorts spanning school-aged children and adults, this study allows for the contrast and comparison…
