WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Study links early vitamin use to higher allergy, asthma risks

Study links early vitamin use to higher allergy, asthma risks

(National) July 7, 2004 - Researchers have uncovered a possible link between early vitamin use and asthma and allergies in children.

A study of more than 8000 infants found formula fed babies who were given multivitamin supplements in the first six months of life had a higher risk of food allergies. There was also an increased asthma risk among African-American infants who were given vitamins during infancy.

Researchers note that the reason for the link is not clear and more study is needed to confirm the connection.

The study is published in the journal Pediatrics.

Researchers estimate that more than 50 percent of toddlers are given multivitamins and about 30 percent to 50 percent of infants take them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends healthy infants during the first two months of life along with children and adolescents should receive 200 international units of Vitamin D a day to prevent rickets.

posted 9:25am by Chris Rees