Low vitamin D in children linked to higher atopic dermatitis risk, study finds

Scientists at Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, have conducted a study to explore the association between vitamin D serum level and allergen sensitization and their impact on the risk of atopic dermatitis in early childhood.

The study is published in the World Allergy Organization Journal.

Study: Vitamin D level is inversely related to allergen sensitization for risking atopic dermatitis in early childhood. Image Credit: alexeisido / ShutterstockStudy: Vitamin D level is inversely related to allergen sensitization for risking atopic dermatitis in early childhood. Image Credit: alexeisido / Shutterstock

Background

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble micronutrient that is crucial in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses. Serum levels of this vitamin are associated with many allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis.

Existing evidence indicates that the risk of atopic dermatitis is inversely associated with the serum level of vitamin D. However, insufficient evidence is available to understand this association across various age groups during early childhood.

Sensitization to allergens is a strong trigger for atopic dermatitis. While food allergen sensitization typically occurs in infancy, aeroallergen sensitization occurs more commonly in childhood. Serum vitamin D levels exhibit an inverse association with specific allergen sensitization and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in early childhood.

In this study, scientists have explored the association between serum vitamin D levels and childhood atopic dermatitis across different age groups. Moreover, they have explored the impact of vitamin D on allergen sensitization and atopic dermatitis during early childhood.

Study design

Children with clinically confirmed atopic dermatitis and age-matched healthy children without atopic dermatitis or other allergic diseases were separately enrolled for the study at 0.5, 2, and 4 years of age.

Among children aged 0.5 years, 59 had atopic dermatitis, and 36 were healthy controls. Among children aged two years, 37 had atopic dermatitis, and 29 were healthy controls. Among children aged four, 32 had atopic dermatitis, and 29 were healthy controls.

Serum samples collected from the participants were analyzed for vitamin D, total IgE levels, and allergen-specific IgE levels.

Important observations

The enrolled children were subdivided into three groups based on their serum vitamin D levels. In the 0.5-year and 4-year age categories, children with a vitamin D level of less than 20 ng/ml showed a significantly higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and maternal atopy than those with a vitamin D level of more than 30 ng/ml.

Children with atopic dermatitis had significantly lower vitamin D levels at 2 and 4 years of age compared to healthy controls. However, a significantly higher vitamin D supplementation was observed in children with atopic dermatitis at 0.5 years of age compared to healthy controls.

The prevalence of food allergen sensitization was significantly higher in children with atopic dermatitis at 0.5 and 4 years of age. The prevalence of mite and IgE sensitization was significantly higher in children with atopic dermatitis at 2 and 4 years of age.

Association between vitamin D level and allergen sensitization

Children with less than 20 ng/ml of vitamin D showed a higher prevalence of food allergen sensitization at 0.5 years of age and mite allergen sensitization at 2 years of age compared to those with more than 30 ng/ml of vitamin D.

In contrast, a significantly higher prevalence of mite and IgE sensitization was observed only in children with less than 20 ng/ml of vitamin D at four years of age.

Atopic dermatitis and allergen sensitization risk factors

Food allergen sensitization and maternal atopy were identified as significant risk factors for the development of atopic dermatitis in children at 0.5 years of age. However, for children at 2 and 4 years of age, the strongest risk factors for atopic dermatitis were serum vitamin D levels and mite allergen sensitization.

Specifically, serum vitamin D level was identified as a significant risk factor for food allergen sensitization at two years of age and for mite allergen sensitization at both two and four years of age.

Study significance

The study finds a strong association between vitamin D deficiency and atopic dermatitis risk and a higher prevalence of allergen sensitization during early childhood.

As hypothesized by the researchers, vitamin D deficiency may alter immune reactions to allergens, which may contribute to atopic dermatitis development in early childhood.

Journal reference:
Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta

Written by

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta is a science communicator who believes in spreading the power of science in every corner of the world. She has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree and a Master's of Science (M.Sc.) in biology and human physiology. Following her Master's degree, Sanchari went on to study a Ph.D. in human physiology. She has authored more than 10 original research articles, all of which have been published in world renowned international journals.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Dutta, Sanchari Sinha Dutta. (2024, April 02). Low vitamin D in children linked to higher atopic dermatitis risk, study finds. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 08, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240402/Low-vitamin-D-in-children-linked-to-higher-atopic-dermatitis-risk-study-finds.aspx.

  • MLA

    Dutta, Sanchari Sinha Dutta. "Low vitamin D in children linked to higher atopic dermatitis risk, study finds". News-Medical. 08 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240402/Low-vitamin-D-in-children-linked-to-higher-atopic-dermatitis-risk-study-finds.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Dutta, Sanchari Sinha Dutta. "Low vitamin D in children linked to higher atopic dermatitis risk, study finds". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240402/Low-vitamin-D-in-children-linked-to-higher-atopic-dermatitis-risk-study-finds.aspx. (accessed October 08, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Dutta, Sanchari Sinha Dutta. 2024. Low vitamin D in children linked to higher atopic dermatitis risk, study finds. News-Medical, viewed 08 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20240402/Low-vitamin-D-in-children-linked-to-higher-atopic-dermatitis-risk-study-finds.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Study reveals high effectiveness of flu vaccines in children but highlights challenges with certain subtypes