A History of Cow's Milk Allergy Is Associated with Lower Vitamin D Status in Schoolchildren

• <b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Vitamin D insufficiency is common in children. We aimed to evaluate the main determinants of vitamin D status in Finnish school-aged children, including the history of allergic diseases. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We conducted a cross-sectional study on 171 ten-year-olds where serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels were measured, and data on food consumption and use of vitamin D supplements were collected. The history of allergic diseases was evaluated with a validated questionnaire. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Vitamin D insufficiency (&#x3c;50 nmol/L) was observed in 16% of the children. In children with a history of cow’s milk allergy, the mean 25(OH)D levels were lower than in children without allergy (60.5 ± 12.6 nmol/L vs. 75.5 ± 22.3 nmol/L, <i>p</i> = 0.004). Lack of vitamin D supplementation, female gender, non-Caucasian ethnicity, and a history of milk allergy were associated with lower vitamin D status. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The vitamin D status in our study sample of Finnish schoolchildren was sufficient, which suggests that health policy strategies – such as the recommendation of vitamin D supplementation and the fortification of food products with vitamin D – have been successful in improving vitamin D status in children. Special concern should be given to children with a history of milk allergy to ensure their vitamin D sufficiency.

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