A recent meta-analysis published by the journal American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology suggests that prenatal vitamin D supplementation is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent wheezing in children.

Researchers recently evaluated the effect of prenatal vitamin D intervention on the development of allergies in offspring. A total of the two randomized controlled trials consisting of 1,493 children fit the criteria, and thus were included in the analysis. The vitamin D supplementation began during the second trimester of pregnancy with doses ranging from 500 IU – 4,000 IU per day. Each study reported the incidence of allergic outcomes in the children for 3 years.

The researchers found that daily prenatal vitamin D intake was associated with a decreased risk of developing recurrent wheeze in children (RR: 0.812; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98).

The researchers concluded,

“The current evidence suggests that prenatal supplementation of vitamin D might have a benefi cial effect on recurrent wheezing in children. Longer-term follow-up of these studies is needed to ascertain whether this observed effect is sustained. There is lack of evidence on the effect of other vita-mins for the prevention of respiratory and/or allergic out-comes.”

Source

Vahdaninia, M. et al. Prenatal Intake of Vitamins and Allergic Outcomes in the Offspring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2016