Effect of Supplemental Vitamin D on Skeletal Muscle Function in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients

Effect of Supplemental Vitamin D on Skeletal Muscle Function in COPD Patients.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not vitamin D supplementation can improve physical performance in persons with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Inclusion Criteria:

• COPD
• Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) < or = 50% of predicted
• Smoking history of at least 10 pack-years
• Able to ambulate independently or with the use of an ambulatory assist device (such as a cane or walker)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Currently taking > 500 I.U. per day of vitamin D supplements
• Primary diagnosis of asthma
• Uncompensated heart failure
• Heart attack in the previous 6 months
• Kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min/1.73m2)