Serum Vitamin Profiles in Pediatric Eczema, Atopic Dermatitis, and Urticaria

Gaolei Zhang1, Mengting Su1, Xiao Liu1

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Capital Center for Children's Health, Capital Medical University, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing 100020, China.

Nutrients
|June 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric inflammatory skin diseases like eczema, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria are linked to vitamin B9 insufficiency. This study found lower vitamin B9 and B6 levels in children with these conditions compared to healthy controls.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Eczema, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria are prevalent pediatric inflammatory skin conditions.
  • Serum vitamin profiles in these pediatric diseases are not well-understood.
  • Characterizing vitamin status is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare vitamin levels and insufficiency rates in children with eczema, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria against healthy controls.
  • To identify demographic factors and specific vitamin deficiencies associated with these skin diseases.
  • To explore potential biomarkers for pediatric inflammatory skin conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 504 children (43 eczema, 43 atopic dermatitis, 40 urticaria, 378 controls).
  • Serum levels of nine vitamins measured using electrochemical assays.
  • Statistical analyses included logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM).

Main Results:

  • Vitamin B9 insufficiency was significantly more common in the overall disease group (17.5%) versus controls (0.3%).
  • Vitamin D insufficiency was higher in the urticaria group (42.5%) compared to controls (28.3%).
  • Vitamin B9 insufficiency and lower vitamin B6 levels were independently associated with all three studied diseases after PSM.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric inflammatory skin diseases present distinct serum vitamin profiles compared to healthy children.
  • Vitamin B9 insufficiency is a common finding across eczema, atopic dermatitis, and urticaria.
  • These findings highlight the importance of assessing vitamin status in pediatric dermatological patients.

Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...