Asthma in 6 year old boys was 3X more likely if low vitamin D during early gestation – March 2014

Vitamin D Deficiency at 16-20 Weeks Gestation Is Associated with Impaired Lung Function and Asthma at 6 Years of Age.

Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2014 Mar 6.
Zosky GR 1, Hart PH, Whitehouse AJ, Kusel MM, Ang W, Foong RE, Chen L, Holt PG, Sly PD, Hall GL.
1University of Tasmania, School of Medicine, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, University of Western Australia, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Subiaco, Australia ; Graeme.Zosky@utas.edu.au.

Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with chronic lung disease. We have previously shown in an in vivo mouse model that maternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with alterations in early life lung structure and function. However, there are limited data to support a relationship between maternal vitamin D deficiency during the early stages of lung development and post-natal lung function in human populations.

Objectives: To assess the association between maternal vitamin D deficiency, post-natal lung function and asthmatic status in a longitudinal birth cohort.

Methods: Serum was collected at 16-20 weeks gestation at the time of recruitment in a community based prospective birth cohort for measurement of vitamin D (25(OH)D). Lung function was assessed by spirometry according to ATS guidelines in children at 6 and 14 years of age. Demographic and clinical history data were collected by questionnaire at recruitment and at the follow up visits.

Measurements and Main Results: FVC Z-scores in both sexes (β; 0.007[0.001, 0.013], p = 0.02) and FEV1 Z-scores in females (β; 0.007[0.001, 0.013], p = 0.02) were positively associated with maternal serum 25(OH)D at 6 years of age. These associations were mostly absent at 14 years of age. Maternal vitamin D deficiency was positively associated with asthma at 6 years of age but only in males (OR; 3.03(1.02-9.02), p = 0.04).

Conclusions: This study supports the notion that vitamin D deficiency during lung development may impact on post-natal lung growth and increase the risk of developing lung disease.

PMID: 24601713


See also VitaminDWiki

Pages listed in BOTH of the categories BREATHING and PREGNANCY

Pages listed in BOTH of the categories BREATHING and INFANT/CHILD

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