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Insufficient Vitamin D
Increases Asthma Risks
Children With Insufficient Vitamin D Levels
May Be At Higher Risk of Developing Asthma,
Suggests a New Study
Vitamin D levels were also associated with increased frequency
of hospitalization, according to a study with 616 children in Costa Rica
with asthma published in the American Journal of Respiratory and
Critical Care Medicine.
The researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical
School concluded: "In these children, lower vitamin D levels are associated
with increased markers of allergy and asthma severity."
The research team sought to build on previous evidence that low maternal
vitamin D intake during pregnancy may adversely affect the respiratory health
of their children and increase the prevalence of asthma symptoms in early
childhood. Vitamin D levels were measured in 616 asthmatic children in
Costa Rica aged between 6 and 14.
Vitamin D insufficiency was documented in 175 children. Vitamin D deficiency
is when 25(OH)D levels are below 15 ng/ml (37.5 nmol/L).
25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with levels of immunoglobulin E
(IgE), the predominant antibody associated with an allergic response, said
the researchers.
Furthermore an increase in vitamin D levels was associated with reduced
odds of any hospitalization in the previous year, any use of anti-inflammatory
medications in the previous year, and increased airway responsiveness.
The study's results suggest that vitamin D insufficiency is relatively frequent
in an equatorial population of children with asthma.
The study adds to an ever growing body of science supporting the benefits
of maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. While our bodies do manufacture
vitamin D on exposure to sunshine, the levels in some northern countries are
so weak during the winter months that our body makes no vitamin D at all,
meaning that dietary supplements and fortified foods are the best way to
boost intakes of vitamin D.
In adults, it is said vitamin D deficiency may precipitate or exacerbate
osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers,
autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
There is also some evidence that the vitamin may reduce the incidence of
several types of cancer and type-1 diabetes.
Source: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
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