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According to a study, supplementing with vitamin D during pregnancy may lower the incidence of asthma and wheezing in children when compared to standard prenatal multivitamins. Vitamin D, obtained through sunlight exposure, diet, or supplements, is commonly associated with bone health but also plays a role in autoimmune and other health conditions.
The study, which reviewed research conducted since 2016, establishes a connection between vitamin D deficiency and childhood asthma and wheezing, both significant health concerns for young children. Approximately 40% of children experience daily wheezing at age three, and by age six, 20% are diagnosed with asthma.
Scott T Weiss, a professor at Harvard Medical School and affiliated with Brigham Women’s Hospital, emphasized the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, especially in pregnant women not taking supplements. Based on the study’s findings, Weiss recommended that all pregnant women consider a daily intake of at least 4400 IU of vitamin D3 throughout their pregnancy, starting at conception.
The review, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, not only consolidates previous research but also incorporates genetic findings, reinforcing the potential causal relationship between vitamin D and asthma. The paper suggests considerations for future studies and proposes a follow-up clinical trial, recommending an early start in pregnancy, supplementation with 6000 IU of vitamin D, and a focus on enrolling a diverse group of women to deepen understanding of vitamin D’s impact on pregnancy outcomes and early-life asthma.
