title: Food allergy: the perspectives of prevention using vitamin D.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We reviewed the scientific publications in the last 2 years on the connections between vitamin D and food allergy, and endeavor to focus on the possible indications for supplementation in order to prevent allergies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ecological studies have suggested a possible relationship between sun exposure and atopic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and anaphylaxis. However, no direct evaluation of vitamin D status has been performed. Recent studies evaluating the relationship with vitamin D levels at birth or during pregnancy have shown conflicting results with the lower levels of vitamin D associated with eczema, the higher with increased food allergy prevalence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the role of vitamin D in extraskeletal function is certainly intriguing and must not be underestimated, at the moment there is a lack of consistent data addressing the topic of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of food allergies. However, in light of the vast amount of literature regarding the mechanisms connected with atopic diseases, an evaluation of serum levels of vitamin D and eventually supplementation must be considered as a further opportunity to understand and treat atopic diseases. In this regard, well designed trials on vitamin D supplementation to prevent food allergies are urgently needed.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Department, University of Verona Hospital, Verona, Italy. diego.peroni@univr.it
authors.forename: Diego G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Peroni
authors.forename: Attilio L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Boner
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004485:Eczema / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D