New research shows that decreased vit D in children is associated with increased usage of corticosteriod use in kids1. This is improtant because inhaled corticosteroids used with asthma is associated with: fungal infections, hoarseness, weight gain, bruising, nervousness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, loss or gain of appetite 2,3,4. Keep in mind, Vit D levels need to be checked, then you need to supplement if low, then recheck your levels with a follow-up test because Vit D can be toxic to your kidneys if you take to much, BUT, regardless of what the media says, MOST OF US ARE DRASTICALLY LOW IN VIT D. Just look at the peer-reviewed research on pub-med.
1) Searing DA, Zhang Y, Murphy JR, Hauk PJ, Goleva E, Leung DY. Decreased serum vitamin D levels in children with asthma are associated with increased corticosteroid use. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010 May;125(5):995-1000. Epub 2010 Apr 9.
2) American Lung Association. “About Asthma Medicines.” July 2005. Lungusa.org. 2 Nov. 2007. “Other Asthma Therapy Options.” Asthma.com. 14 Nov. 2007.
3) GlaxoSmithKline. “Q & A: What is Asthma? Asthma Side Effects.” Ginasthma.com. Global Initiative for Asthma. 2 Nov. 2007.
4) Steroids & Growth: FAQ’S.” Asthma Initiative of Michigan. 31 July 2006. 13 Nov. 2007.
