Decreased serum vitamin D levels in children with asthma are associated with increased corticosteroid use. (Searing et al.J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010;125:995-1000.)
- Large number of children with asthma are vitamin D insufficient and deficient
- Higher vitamin D is associated with better response to steroid therapy in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro.
- Higher vitamin D is associated with lower steroid use and, by inference, a lower asthma severity.
This study suggests that vitamin D status in children with asthma is a concern and adequate vitamin D intake (as in all children) should be maintained.
