Maternal vitamin D levels are inversely related to allergic sensitization and atopic diseases in early childhood.

BACKGROUND

There are few studies addressing the impact of maternal vitamin D status on the vitamin D levels in offspring, their sensitization to common allergens and atopic disease development.

METHODS

Children aged 0 through 4 yr from a birth cohort in the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children (PATCH) study were enrolled. Time series of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured in maternal blood before delivery, cord blood, and at age 1.5, 3, and 4 using an 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 164 mother-child pairs from a birth cohort were recruited in this study. The mean levels of maternal 25(OH)D were 23.2 ± 7.7 ng/ml with a high (up to 80%) prevalence of insufficient vitamin D status (< 30 ng/ml). A significant correlation was seen between maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.001), and a persistent lower 25(OH)D level was found in children born to mothers with deficient 25(OH)D levels. Deficient maternal 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/ml) appeared to be associated with a higher prevalence of allergen sensitization before age 2. Higher maternal 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with lower risk of eczema (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.02-0.63; p = 0.012) and asthma (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.06-0.92; p = 0.038) at age 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Low maternal 25(OH)D levels appear not only to be associated with an increase in the prevalence of allergic sensitization but also the risk of eczema and asthma in early childhood.