Vitamin D and Burn Injury: Mechanisms, Clinical Associations, And Therapeutic Potential for Morbidity and Mortality
Main Article Content
Abstract
Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent after major burn injury, driven by loss of skin synthesis, systemic inflammation, altered metabolism, and limited sunlight exposure. Given vitamin D’s roles in immune regulation, wound healing, bone turnover, and metabolic balance, deficiency may plausibly worsen post-burn outcomes.
Objective: This review summarizes current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical associations, and interventional studies examining vitamin D in burn patients, and identifies key knowledge gaps requiring further research.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elsevier databases for studies published between 1990 and May 2025. Eligible sources included observational, mechanistic, interventional, and systematic studies involving burn or critically ill populations. Non-thermal injuries and single case reports were excluded.
Key Findings: Up to 90% of burn patients exhibit vitamin D deficiency during hospitalization or recovery. Low serum 25(OH)D levels are consistently associated with higher infection rates, longer hospital and ICU stays, delayed wound healing, and increased mortality. Vitamin D deficiency also contributes to bone loss and impaired rehabilitation outcomes. Small randomized trials suggest that supplementation—especially with vitamin D₃ at doses of 1,000–3,000 IU/day—can improve wound healing and metabolic control, though study heterogeneity limits generalizability.
Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in major burn patients and is associated with increased infections, delayed wound healing, prolonged hospitalization, and higher mortality. Biological and clinical evidence indicates an important role for vitamin D in immune regulation and tissue repair. Although interventional data remain limited, current evidence supports routine assessment and correction of vitamin D deficiency as part of comprehensive burn management.
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