Vitamin D, allergies and asthma: focus on pediatric patients

• Main Authors: Auro Della Giustina, Massimo Landi, Federica Bellini, Mariangela Bosoni, Giuliana Ferrante, Marzia Onorari, Alessandro Travaglini, Giuseppe Pingitore, Giovanni Passalacqua, Salvatore Tripodi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2014-01-01
• Series: World Allergy Organization Journal
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1939455119302625

In recent years, the interest of the scientific world towards vitamin D gradually increased, and several studies have been conducted to dissect its possible role in modulating the development/course of allergic diseases. Also, Vitamin D supplementation has been assessed as a beneficial approach for treating allergies in some, but not all studies. We reviewed herein the available and relevant literature concerning the possible links between Vitamin D, its supplementation and allergic diseases. A literature search was made independently by the Authors, identifying articles for a narrative review. As per literature, Vitamin D plays a key role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, and it is essential for bone health in infants, children and adolescents. However, there is presently insufficient evidence to support vitamin D supplementation for prevention or treatment of allergic diseases in infants, children and adolescents, concerning allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergy and atopic dermatitis. Keywords: Vitamin D, Allergic diseases, Immunomodulation, Supplementation, Asthma, Rhinitis, Pediatric allergy