Vitamin D made big headlines a couple of years back when a comprehensive study linked its deficiency to a host of conditions including asthma. Published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, the study concluded that a vitamin D deficiency could lead to increased airway reactivity, lower lung functions, and poor asthma control. Vitamin D found in most children’s multivitamins can ensure that a child is receiving the correct daily requirement.
By supplementing vitamin D, the body can block inflammation causing proteins in the lung while increasing production of interleukin-10 which has anti-inflammatory effects.
A deficiency of the vitamin has become increasingly common in children over the last several decades as sunscreen has become more widely used. Because it is naturally produced in the body when it is exposed to sunlight, sunscreen and staying out of the sun can lead to a deficiency. The vitamin is also added to milk. Thus, children who do not drink milk are particularly susceptible to deficiency. This is when a children’s multi vitamin can be particularly beneficial.
New studies are being conducted currently to determine if a vitamin D deficiency also leads to a worsening of existing asthma symptoms. Health experts know that asthma does get worse in the winter when there is typically less sun exposure. Thus, researchers are trying to assess if vitamin D supplementation is a viable treatment option for children with asthma.
In the meantime, parents with children who have asthma may want to consider children’s multivitamins as a way of minimizing any chance of a deficiency. The vitamin offers a variety of health benefits along with potentially minimizing symptoms of asthma.
How Much Vitamin D Is Optimal?
A balanced children’s multi vitamin will contain approximately 500 IU of vitamin D which is 125% of the daily requirement. Of course, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician to determine the exact amount required for your child.
No comments:
Post a Comment