Low Vitamin D Levels Increases Risk of Food Allergies in Children

Researchers of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University have stated that children with low levels of vitamin D are at an increased risk of developing food allergies as well as outdoor allergies. They found that children who showed vitamin D deficiency were 2.3 times likely to have oak allergies and 2.4 times likely to have peanut allergies. Scientists studied the serum vitamin D levels in more than 3,100 children and adolescents and 3,400 adults. In the blood test the levels of Immunoglobulin E (protein made by immune system in response to allergens) was measured by assessing sensitivity to 17 different allergens like ragweed, oak, cockroach, shrimp, dog, peanuts etc. In adults no association could be established between allergies and vitamin D levels. However in children and adolescents low level of vitamin D (less than 15 nano grams per milliliter of blood) has been co-related with sensitivity to 11 of the 17 allergens that were tested in the blood test. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Previous studies have shown that the number of people who are affected by acute allergic reactions to food rises during winter and it is known that vitamin D levels are lowest is winter.

The study has stated that in US the number of people with vitamin D deficiencies and the number of people with allergies are both rising. The researchers said, "This study suggests these two phenomena might be linked." Study researcher Dr. Michal Melamed said, "The latest dietary recommendations calling for children to take in 600 IU of vitamin D daily should keep them from becoming vitamin D deficient."

Source-Medindia