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A History of Cow's Milk Allergy Is Associated with Lower Vitamin D Status in Schoolchildren
Jenni Rosendahl1, Mikael Fogelholm2, Anna Pelkonen3
1Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Vitamin D insufficiency affects 16% of Finnish schoolchildren. Children with a history of milk allergy had lower vitamin D levels, highlighting the need for targeted supplementation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Vitamin D insufficiency is a prevalent issue among children globally.
- Understanding determinants of vitamin D status is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key factors influencing vitamin D status in Finnish school-aged children.
- To investigate the association between allergic disease history and vitamin D levels.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 171 ten-year-old children.
- Measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels.
- Assessment of dietary intake, supplement use, and allergic disease history via questionnaires.
Main Results:
- 16% of children exhibited vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L).
- Lower mean 25(OH)D levels were observed in children with a history of cow's milk allergy.
- Factors associated with lower vitamin D status included lack of supplementation, female gender, non-Caucasian ethnicity, and milk allergy history.
Conclusions:
- The overall vitamin D status in Finnish schoolchildren is sufficient, indicating successful public health strategies.
- Specific attention is required for children with a history of milk allergy to maintain adequate vitamin D levels.
- Targeted interventions may be necessary for at-risk groups to ensure vitamin D sufficiency.
Background/Aims:
Vitamin D insufficiency is common in children. We aimed to evaluate the main determinants of vitamin D status in Finnish school-aged children, including the history of allergic diseases.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional study on 171 ten-year-olds where serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were measured, and data on food consumption and use of vitamin D supplements were collected. The history of allergic diseases was evaluated with a validated questionnaire.
Results:
Vitamin D insufficiency (<50 nmol/L) was observed in 16% of the children. In children with a history of cow's milk allergy, the mean 25(OH)D levels were lower than in children without allergy (60.5 ± 12.6 nmol/L vs. 75.5 ± 22.3 nmol/L, p = 0.004). Lack of vitamin D supplementation, female gender, non-Caucasian ethnicity, and a history of milk allergy were associated with lower vitamin D status.
Conclusion:
The vitamin D status in our study sample of Finnish schoolchildren was sufficient, which suggests that health policy strategies - such as the recommendation of vitamin D supplementation and the fortification of food products with vitamin D - have been successful in improving vitamin D status in children. Special concern should be given to children with a history of milk allergy to ensure their vitamin D sufficiency.
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