Original Article

Low vitamin D serum level is inversely associated with eczema in children and adolescents in Germany

I. Heimbeck

Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, CPC – Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany

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M. Wjst,

M. Wjst

Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, CPC – Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany

Institute of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München, Munich, Germany

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C. J. Apfelbacher,

Corresponding Author

C. J. Apfelbacher

Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Correspondence

Dr. Christian Apfelbacher, Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.

Tel.: +4917622801993

Fax: +499419445202

E-mail: [email protected]

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I. Heimbeck,

I. Heimbeck

Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, CPC – Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany

Search for more papers by this author

M. Wjst,

M. Wjst

Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, CPC – Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Munich, Germany

Institute of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München, Munich, Germany

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C. J. Apfelbacher,

Corresponding Author

C. J. Apfelbacher

Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany

Correspondence

Dr. Christian Apfelbacher, Medical Sociology, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.

Tel.: +4917622801993

Fax: +499419445202

E-mail: [email protected]

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First published: 10 June 2013

https://doi.org/10.1111/all.12167

Citations: 55

Edited by: Hans-Uwe Simon

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Abstract

Background

Recent studies have yielded heterogeneous results regarding the relationship between vitamin D and atopic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum vitamin D level and the prevalence of eczema in German children and adolescents.

Methods

Data were drawn for children aged 1–17 from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), a nationwide cross-sectional representative survey. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) serum concentration was measured in 9838 individuals with eczema and categorized into quartiles. We investigated the association of vitamin D level and eczema by means of logistic regression models.

Results

Weighted prevalence of eczema was 13.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12.6–14.4%). Mean vitamin D level was significantly higher in those with eczema compared with those without (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression revealed an inverse association between low levels of vitamin D and eczema (multivariate OR for quartile 1 vs quartile 2: 0.76 (95% CI 0.61–0.94)).

Conclusions

This study suggests that low serum vitamin D level is inversely associated with eczema in German children and adolescents. Prospective studies are required to confirm this result, to discuss a potential opportunity for prevention of eczema.

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Volume68, Issue7

July 2013

Pages 906-910

Low vitamin D serum level is inversely associated with eczema in children and adolescents in Germany

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

References

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Low vitamin D serum level is inversely associated with eczema in children and adolescents in Germany

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

References

Citing Literature

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