Prevalence and Demographics of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children with Asthma
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Date
2015-03-25
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Abstract
Vitamin D promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption from the intestinal tract and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system. Low vitamin D levels raise risk for autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D deficiency also causes rickets, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures. Since few foods contain it, we are reliant on sun exposure for cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. Small studies have explored the relationship between asthma and vitamin D levels, but larger controlled studies are needed. This study examines the relationship between demographics and self-reported sun exposure/dairy intake with 25-OH vitamin D levels in asthmatic children, as part of a larger study including immune function. Sixty-four children ages 8-17 taking inhaled steroid maintenance treatment were recruited through asthma/allergy clinics at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Exclusion criteria included substance dependence, metabolic bone/malabsorption disease, BMI > 35, vitamin D supplementation, recent oral steroid treatment, or mineral oil/thiazide diuretic use. Participants were administered a modified vitamin D questionnaire assessing sun exposure, dairy intake, and supplementation usage, and had blood drawn to determine 25-OH vitamin D level. Of 64 participants, 16 were vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/ml; 25%). These 16 were: 69% > age 11, 69% African American, 31% overweight/obese, 63% not receiving a suntan within a year, and average dairy consumption 1.5 (±1.75) daily servings. Those not deficient were: 33% > age of 11, 27% African American, 15% overweight/obese, 33% not receiving a suntan within a year, and average dairy consumption 1.54(±1.54) daily servings. Results show an increased risk for vitamin D deficiency with higher BMI, darker skin, age, and lower sun exposure. Physicians of asthmatic children of all races/ethnicities can provide counseling that limited safe sun exposure (20” daily to arms and legs), including during physical activity necessary for a healthy lifestyle, helps prevent vitamin D deficiency.
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Health Professions - Clinical: 4th Place, Honorable Mention (The Ohio State University Denman Undergraduate Research Forum)
Keywords
Vitamin D, Children, Asthma, Clinical