Vitamin D and food allergies

Interesting findings from the Murdoch Children's Institute in Melbourne have found a link with low Vitamin D levels and an increase in food allergies.

Food allergies have had a dramatic increase in recent years. Researchers are confident that a cure may not be too far away and the Vitamin D factor is an important link in that chain.

It may only be a part of the picture but its worth more than a passing thought.

Low Vitamin D levels have already been linked with autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis.

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/low-vitamin-d-linked-to-food-allergies/story-e6frfku9-1226589884509 

The researchers think that it plays a part together with hygiene issues and how solids are introduced.

How do you get Vitamin D into children and how much do they need?

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and is present in oily fish such as salmon and sardines and in cod liver oil. It is also absorbed through sunlight exposure which in recent times we've decreased because of the skin cancer link and the subsequent use of sunscreens.

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

Babies 0-12mths need 400 i.u.

Children aged 1-13 years need 600 i.u.

"The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that exclusively and partially breastfed infants receive supplements of 400 IU/day of vitamin D shortly after birth and continue to receive these supplements until they are weaned and consume ≥1,000 mL/day of vitamin D-fortified formula or whole milk. Similarly, all non-breastfed infants ingesting <1,000 mL/day of vitamin D-fortified formula or milk should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU/day. AAP also recommends that older children and adolescents who do not obtain 400 IU/day through vitamin D-fortified milk and foods should take a 400 IU vitamin D supplement daily."

Thought provoking stuff for a Monday.