There is growing evidence that low vitamin D3 levels in children may substantially increase the risk of asthma and worsen symptoms.
In a recent study, lead author Dr. Daniel Searing and his colleagues of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the National Jewish Health research institute examined asthmatic children up to age 18, and found that 47 percent had insufficient levels of vitamin D3 (blood levels less than 30 ng/ml) and 17 percent were fully deficient (less than 20 ng/ml).
Dark-skinned people generally have lower vitamin D3 levels, and in the study, black children were found to have substantially higher vitamin D3 deficiency rates (86 percent). To learn more about vitamin D3, read my special report "Vitamin D's Hidden Role in Your Health."


The study reached a number of interesting conclusions. For example, allergy markers such as immunoglobulin E levels and positive aeroallergen skin test responses, were inversely correlated with vitamin D3 levels. That is, those with blood tests showing very active inflammation had lower vitamin D3 levels. For a detailed discussion on inflammation and its role in many diseases, see my newsletter "Inflammation: The Real Cause of Most Diseases."
Researchers also found that in patients with higher D3 levels, it appears that vitamin D3 enhanced the inflammation-suppressing effects of corticosteroids, normally used in severe asthma cases. Other studies have shown that isolated white blood cells from asthmatic children were more responsive to steroids when vitamin D3 was present.
I would contend that vitamin D3 levels currently being called normal (30 ng/ml) are too low, and perhaps if they were higher, say 50 ng/ml, we would see less asthma altogether and have less need for harmful drugs like steroids.
Excitotoxins in the diet — such as MSG, hydrolyzed proteins, and natural flavoring — have been shown to significantly worsen asthma attacks, and should be avoided. Studies also have shown that the lining of the air passages in the lung have numerous glutamate receptors.
Our young people live on junk foods filled with excitotoxic additives, and the incidence of asthma in children has increased 400 percent over the past two decades. We can turn that number around with better diet and more vitamin D3.
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