Association between vitamin D status and allergen sensitization in pediatric subjects in the Balearic Islands.

Abstract

Vitamin D has known effects on the immune system, and its deficiency has been associated with allergen sensitization. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the association between 25(OH)vitamin D (25(OH)D) and specific IgE for the most frequent allergens in our area in children and adolescents. All subjects under 15years of age with a determination of Phadiatop® or Phadiatop Infant® and close serum 25(OH)D determination were included, from 2012 to 2019. From this sample, demographic and analytical variables were collected: specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; dog and cat dander; grass, olive, and pellitory pollens; egg white; and cow milk; as well as complete blood count analysis and immunoglobulins. A total of 749 subjects were recruited. Clusters according to deficiency, insufficiency, or sufficiency of 25(OH)D showed an association with age, Phadiatop® , D.pteronyssinus, cat and dog dander specific IgE, and a higher frequency of positive allergen sensitization (P<.05). Logistic regression, compared with vitamin D levels of greater than 30ng/mL after age adjustment, showed that deficient 25(OH)D was associated with D.pteronyssinus (OR 1.90; 95% CI, 1.25-2.90) and dog dander (OR, 2.10; 1.10-4.02); whereas insufficient 25(OH)D was associated with cat dander (OR, 2.46; 1.15-5.28) and also with D.pteronyssinus (OR, 1.55; 1.06-2.29) (P<.05). No associations were found between 25(OH) D levels and other analytical parameters. Vitamin D status is associated with sensitization to D.pteronyssinus, and cat and dog dander in children and adolescents, and also with a higher number of positive specific IgE.