Vitamin D and sepsis: An emerging relationship

Abstract

Vitamin D insufficiency and sepsis are both highly prevalent worldwide problems and this article reviews the emerging science that is defining the intersections of these conditions. The importance of vitamin D's role in skeletal health has long been understood but recent evidence is beginning to highlight its role in the functioning of other physiologic systems of the body. Basic science data reveal its integral role in local immune responses to pathogens and the systemic inflammatory pathways of sepsis. Furthermore, clinical scientists have found associations with respiratory infections, critical illness and sepsis but the causal relationship and its clinical impact have yet to be clearly defined. The article ends with speculations on the connections between racial disparities and seasonal differences in sepsis and vitamin D insufficiency.

Keywords: critical care medicine; infection; nutrition; sepsis; severe sepsis; vitamin D.

Figure 1. Morbidity and mortality vitamin D insufficiency and sepsis. Venn diagram reflecting the links between vitamin D’s roles in innate immune function, clinical infections and sepsis in the critically ill. The intersections represent the potential increased morbidity and mortality resulting from vitamin D insufficient states predisposing to and exacerbating sepsis.