Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for maintaining the immune system and strong bones. However, excessive levels of vitamin D during pregnancy due to the consumption of supplements, may increase the risk of food allergy in children in the future.
Researchers from Leipzig Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Germany shows that the consumption of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy may increase the risk of food allergy in infants. Excessive levels of vitamin D in the blood of pregnant women, it can interfere with normal immune responses after the baby is born.
Since 1990, researchers have studied the link between vitamin D with food allergies. It is connected with the theory that immune cells are low in the blood increases the risk of higher food allergy in infants and children.
The research team measured levels of vitamin D during pregnancy and vitamin D are found in the baby's umbilical cord blood. Then, after a lapse of two years, researchers are studying whether there are signs of food allergy in infants. The study involved 622 mothers and 629 children.
The results clearly show that children of mothers with vitamin D levels are higher during pregnancy, are more likely to have food allergies, compared with pregnant women with vitamin D levels lower or insufficient. The research was subsequently published in the medical journal Allergy edition in February.
Allergy to foods such as egg whites, milk protein, wheat flour, peanuts or soybeans associated with high levels of immunoglobulin E in children. The immune system called T-cells, serves to protect a person from food allergies.
"Vitamin D levels are too high in the baby's blood correlates with the number of T-cells a little more," said Dr. Gunda Herberth, leader of the study, as written Emaxhealth, Sunday (03/03/2013).
The researchers recommended to pregnant women to avoid taking vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of food allergy in his future. Fulfill your need for vitamin D naturally from foods such as dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, eggs, spinach, as well as support from sun exposure.