Relationship of maternal vitamin D level with maternal and infant respiratory disease

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Sep;205(3):215.e1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2011.04.002. Epub 2011 Apr 13.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the association of maternal vitamin D and maternal asthma and infant respiratory infection severity.

Study design: The study included cross-sectional analyses of 340 mother-infant dyads enrolled from September to May 2004-2008 during an infant viral respiratory infection. Maternal vitamin D levels were determined from enrollment blood specimens. At enrollment, we determined self-reported maternal asthma and infant respiratory infection severity using a bronchiolitis score. We assessed the association of maternal vitamin D levels and maternal asthma and infant bronchiolitis score in race-stratified multivariable regression models.

Results: The cohort was 70% white, 19% African American, and 21% had asthma. Overall, the median maternal vitamin D level was 20 ng/mL (interquartile range, 14-28). Among white women, a 14 ng/mL increase in vitamin D was associated with a decreased odds of asthma (adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.86). Maternal vitamin D was not associated with infant bronchiolitis score.

Conclusion: Higher maternal vitamin D levels were associated with decreased odds of asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / blood*
  • Black or African American
  • Bronchiolitis / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin D / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin D / blood
  • White People

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • 25-hydroxyvitamin D