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More data needed on connection between vitamin D, allergies

There is insufficient evidence to indicate vitamin D supplementation helps prevent or treat certain allergic diseases in children and adolescents, according to a study published in World Allergy Organization Journal.

Researchers from various hospitals and universities in Italy, including Giovanni Passalacqua, MD, of the University of Genoa, reviewed the literature for possible links between vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation and allergic diseases. While research indicated vitamin D was essential for bone health in children, there was insufficient evidence pertaining to the treatment of allergies.

Giovanni Passalacqua

“Taken together the available literature, it is not yet possible to confirm or refute the direct role of [vitamin D] in the development/worsening of allergic diseases in pediatric age and in newborns, neither to assign a relevant role to [vitamin D] use in an immunological therapy setting,” the researchers wrote.

Researchers indicated evidence showed individuals with a scarce intake of vitamin D exhibited a higher number of respiratory infections per year. However, the researchers also cited a study which indicated high vitamin D levels during pregnancy and at birth may lead to a higher risk for food allergy.

According to researchers, more data are needed.

“Clinical trials and population-based prospective studies are needed, in order to better understand the molecular mechanism by which VD may affect immunological disorders and their development,” researchers wrote.

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.