Vitamin D deficiency is known to reduce bone strength and increase the risk of fractures and infections. Researchers have now identified a significant link between low levels of vitamin D and the incidence of eczema in young children.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, inflammation, itching, and irritation. It typically begins in childhood, but can affect people of any age.
In a study published in the World Allergy Organization Journal, researchers from Chang Gung University in Taiwan investigated the association between vitamin D serum levels and allergen sensitization. Allergen sensitization occurs when the body produces IgE antibodies against ingested, absorbed, or inhaled allergens. The study also investigated how this association affects the likelihood of developing atopic dermatitis in young children.
“Vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with increased prevalence of allergen sensitization and may potentially increase susceptibility to atopic dermatitis in childhood,” the researchers wrote.
A total of 222 children participated in the study, including children with atopic dermatitis and healthy children of the same age without atopic dermatitis or other allergic diseases. Participants consisted of three age groups: 6 months, 2 years, and 4 years.
Among the 6-month-old children, 59 had atopic dermatitis and 36 were healthy. In the 2-year-old group, 37 children had atopic dermatitis and 29 were healthy, while in the 4-year-old group, 32 children had atopic dermatitis and 29 were healthy.
Serum samples from all participants were collected and tested for vitamin D, total IgE levels, and allergen-specific IgE levels. Based on vitamin D levels, the children were divided into three groups: <20ng/ml, between 20ng/ml and 30ng/ml, and >30ng/ml.
Among children aged 6 months and 4 years, those with vitamin D levels <20 ng/ml were more likely to be exclusively breastfed and had more maternal atopy than those with vitamin D levels >30 ng/ml. Atopy refers to the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.
Children with atopic dermatitis had lower vitamin D levels at ages 2 and 4. However, children with eczema at 6 months of age received more vitamin D supplementation than healthy children of the same age.
The researchers also noted that food allergen sensitivity in children with atopic dermatitis was higher at 0.5 and 4 years of age, and dust mite and IgE susceptibility was higher at 2 and 4 years of age.
Food allergy and maternal atopy were identified as the greatest risk factors for atopic dermatitis in children as young as 6 months of age. However, for 2- and 4-year-olds, the main risk factors were vitamin D levels and sensitization to dust mite allergy.
