Vitamin D plays a vital role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism, and exerts essential effects on bone health. However, the wide-spread physiological roles of vitamin D and its metabolites are far beyond these well described effects in skeletal biology. Many physiological processes are directly or indirectly regulated by vitamin D. In recent years, more and more emphasis has been given to the roles of vitamin D in the other aspects besides bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive functional disorder in the respiratory system with high prevalence in the older population. Evidence shows there is a correlation between the severity of COPD and vitamin D deficiency. This article aims to update the knowledge about the association of vitamin D with COPD, as well as to assess the potential role of vitamin D supplements in treatment of the disease.