A team of scientists from New Zealand have found that Vitamin D could play a role in keeping the lungs healthy.
The researchers from the University of Auckland found in a study of 14,091 people, that those with higher vitamin D levels in their blood had significantly better lung function.
They say the difference between the two was more marked than that between smokers and those who had quit.
The findings have led the team to suggest that dietary supplements could possibly boost lung function, but they add that more research is needed.
Dr Michael Alberts, president of the American College of Chest Physicians says that chronic lung conditions compromise the quality of life for millions of people around the world and by understanding the effect that vitamins have on lung function, it may be possible to identify new and more effective treatments for these debilitating diseases.
Lead researcher Dr Peter Black says that low levels of vitamin D have been associated with osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Now he says, their research shows that vitamin D may also have a strong influence on lung health, with greater levels of vitamin D being associated with greater and more positive effects on lung function.
Dr Black says the difference in performance between those with the highest and lowest concentrations of vitamin D was more marked that the difference between non-smokers and those who had given up.
The team found that those people with the highest concentration of vitamin D in their blood significantly outperformed others in tests to measure their lung function.
However, he also says that although there is a definite relationship between lung function and vitamin D, it is unclear if increases in vitamin D through supplements or dietary intake will actually improve lung function in patients with chronic respiratory diseases.
The FVC test was used which measures the total volume of air that is expelled after taking a deep breath.