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Low cord blood vitamin D levels are associated with increased milk sensitization in early childhood
Author(s) -
Chiu ChihYung,
Yao TsungChieh,
Chen SueHsien,
Tsai MingHan,
Tu YuLing,
Hua ManChin,
Yeh KuoWei,
Huang JingLong
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12304
Subject(s) - medicine , cord blood , sensitization , vitamin d and neurology , allergy , asthma , immunoglobulin e , immunology , umbilical cord , physiology , food allergy , pediatrics , antibody
Background The association between vitamin D status at birth and allergen sensitizations is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cord blood vitamin D status with allergen sensitizations and the development of atopic diseases in early childhood. Methods Children aged 0 through 4 yr from a birth cohort in the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children ( PATCH ) study were enrolled. Serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25( OH )D) in cord blood were measured by a new automated electrochemiluminescence‐based assay. Specific IgE antibodies against food and inhalant allergens were measured at 6 months, and 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4 yr of age. Results A total of 186 children were regular followed up at clinics for a 4‐yr follow‐up period. The mean level of cord blood 25(OH)D was 23.8 ± 9.5 ng/ml with a high prevalence of low vitamin D status (<20 ng/ml) at birth (42%). There was a tendency of low cord blood 25(OH)D levels being associated with higher risk of food sensitization throughout childhood. Cord blood 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with the risk of milk sensitization at age 2, at which age a higher prevalence of milk sensitization was significantly associated with the risk of allergic rhinitis, and asthma development at age 4. Conclusions Low cord blood vitamin D levels appear to be associated with increased milk sensitization but not with asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis in early childhood.