Growing evidence shows that low vitamin D3 levels in children may substantially increase their risk of asthma and worsen symptoms.
In a recent study, lead author Dr. Daniel Searing and his colleagues at the Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at National Jewish Health examined asthmatic children up to age 18 and found that 47 percent had insufficient levels of vitamin D3 (blood levels less than 30 ng/ml) and 17 percent were fully deficient (less than 20 ng/ml). Black children had substantially higher vitamin D3 deficiency rates (86 percent). Dark-skinned people generally have lower vitamin D3 levels.
The study reached a number of interesting findings. For example, allergy markers such as immunoglobulin E levels and positive aeroallergen skin test responses were inversely correlated with vitamin D3 levels. That is, those with blood tests showing very active inflammation had lower vitamin D3 levels. Researchers also found that patients with the lowest lung function also had the lowest vitamin D3 levels.
It appears that vitamin D3 enhanced the inflammation-suppressing effects of corticosteroids, normally used in severe asthma cases. For a detailed discussion on inflammation and its role in many diseases, see my newsletter "Inflammation: The Real Cause of Most Diseases."
Other studies have shown that isolated white blood cells from asthmatic children were more responsive to steroids when vitamin D3 was present.
I would contend that the vitamin D3 level considered normal (30 ng/ml) is too low; perhaps if it were at 50 ng/ml, we would see less asthma altogether and have less need for harmful drugs like steroids. Read about other important vitamins you need in my special report "Key Vitamins that Save Your Heart, Prevent Cancer and Keep You Living Long".
Excitotoxins in the diet — such as MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, and natural flavoring — have been shown to significantly worsen asthma attacks and should be avoided. Studies also have shown that the lining of the air passages in the lung have numerous glutamate receptors.
Our young people live on junk foods filled with excitotoxic additives, and the incidence of asthma in children has increased 400 percent over the past two decades. We can turn that number around with better diet and more vitamin D3.
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