The Effects of Perinatal Vitamin D Levels on Lung Function Performance and Respiratory Infection in Infancy

Background: Perinatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of wheezing in childhood. However, the relationship between vitamin D levels and lung function in infancy has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of perinatal vitamin D levels on respiratory function and outcome in infancy.

Materials and Methods: Full-term infants without any chronic diseases or major anomalies were enrolled in the Prediction of Allergies in Taiwanese Children cohort study. Maternal and cord blood was collected for determining the vitamin D level. Questionnaires were recorded at birth and 6 months. Infant lung function, including tidal breathing analysis, respiratory mechanics, and forced tidal expiration, was tested at 6 months of age.

Results: A total of 122 mother–infant pairs were enrolled in this study, and 71 infants underwent lung function testing at 6 months of age. Vitamin D levels in maternal and cord serum were highly correlated (r² = 0.457, p < 0.0001). Infants with lower vitamin D levels in their cord serum had poorer lung function performance and a higher risk of a respiratory tract infection before the age of 6 months (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Although a high correlation was found between maternal and cord vitamin D levels, the effect on respiratory outcome was different. Our study is the first to show that low cord vitamin D levels significantly affect the respiratory function and the likelihood of a respiratory tract infection before 6 months of age.