Low Vitamin D Levels and Allergies

According to a recent study, low levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of allergies in children and adolescents.  While the study did not find a correlation between adult allergies and vitamin D levels, for the younger population this correlation was found to be significant.

Vitamin D plays an important role in the immune function response and has been touted as an essential vitamin for those suffering from mood disorders as well, especially seasonal affective disorder or SAD.  According to recent research vitamin D is found to be too low in a large segment of the population.  For most northerners the winter time disallows for an adequate amount of this nutrient from the sun.  As such, more and more people are choosing to supplement with vitamin D tablets or drops in order to help boost immune function, improve mood and fight off a host of ailments.

This new study suggests however that vitamin D levels are equally important when it comes to allergies and allergic reactions.  Although the study indicates that this is the case in children and teens only thus far, it is probable that this may also have some affect on allergies in adults.

The study found that of the 17 allergens tested, low vitamin D levels were associated with 11 of these.  These included environmental allergens such as ragweed, dog, cockroaches and oak, as well as food allergies such as nuts.  Children with a vitamin D deficiency were in fact almost two and half times as likely to have a peanut allergy as children with a sufficient amount of this vitamin.

The latest recommendations for vitamin D intake for children are up to 600 IU of the vitamin daily.  This is the amount that is assumed should keep them from being deficient; however, many people take higher doses.  For individual analysis though you should consult with your child’s health care practitioner.  Many adults take a good deal more, often up to 1000 IU in the winter months.  Again, check the recommended amounts on each bottle and follow directions carefully.