Vitamin D, produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight, is necessary for the full development of the child's body, since it strengthens the immune system and promotes health bones and muscle tissue, prevents the development of allergic diseases. But can supplements replace a walk on a sunny day? Australian scientists have found the answer to this question.
A new study by scientists from the University of Western Australia was presented during the congress of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), Medscape reported. The authors stated that over the past 20-30 years, doctors have observed an increase in the number of allergic diseases in children. This is probably due to a change in the lifestyle of people and the characteristics of children's nutrition.
The effectiveness of supplements to compensate for vitamin D deficiency compared to placebo has been repeatedly confirmed, but Australian scientists took a new approach: they also evaluated the benefits of exposure to sunlight. The study involved about 200 newborns at high risk for allergic diseases, half of whom received vitamin D supplements at a dosage of 400 IU until the age of six months, the control group received a placebo. In addition, they attached portable UV dosimeters to each child's clothing.
The researchers then measured the children's vitamin D levels with a blood test at 3, 6, 12, and 30 months of age. They also assessed the immune functions of the little participants and recorded the development of food allergies or eczema (atopic dermatitis).
After 3 months, vitamin D levels were expectedly higher in the children who received the supplements compared to the placebo group. The scientists noted that the data obtained are fully consistent with the results of previous studies on this topic. However, it turned out that eczema developed in children who were less exposed to the sun compared to babies who did not have this disease, as evidenced by UV dosimeter data. In addition, more frequent exposure to sunlight has been associated with a stronger immune system in children.
The authors of the study extended the follow-up period to 2.5 years to see if the preventive effect of UV exposure on the development of eczema persisted and again. found that children who were more exposed to the sun had much more benefits.
While children benefit from sun exposure, scientists have warned that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can be dangerous for babies, including due to an increased risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma), so parents should remain vigilant. In addition, there is not yet enough data on how much time children should spend in the sun to reduce the risk of developing eczema, the scientists noted.