Vitamin D is known to be necessary for the body to be able to absorb the essential minerals, calcium and phosphorus. It is also important for immune system functioning. Recent published research looked at vitamin D deficiency contributing to airway inflammation and decreased lung function. These findings appear to encourage people with respiratory problems and asthma to make sure their vitamin D levels are high enough. If they are not, these people could consider changing their diet to include more eggs, fish, and fortified milk or adding vitamin D supplementation. For further details, check out the article “Vitamin D and Asthma,” as presented in the September, 2010, issue of Natural Standard’s Integrative Medicine Newsletter.