Does Vitamin D Supplementation Reduce the Rate of Infant Pneumonia?

In a vitamin D–deficient infant population, such supplementation did not reduce the incidence of pneumonia or change the age at which first episodes occurred.

Adequate vitamin D levels appear to enhance innate immunity. Some studies have demonstrated high rates of vitamin D deficiency in children with pneumonia; however, findings regarding the effect of vitamin D repletion have varied. In a recent trial, investigators gave bolus oral doses of vitamin D to young infants to determine whether such supplementation would reduce the incidence and severity of pneumonia. The study was conducted in Kabul, Afghanistan, in socioeconomically deprived districts where the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the incidence of pneumonia were high.

A total of 3046 children aged 1 to 11 months were randomized to receive placebo or 100,000 IU of vitamin D₃ orally every 3 months for 18 months. Episodes of pneumonia…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Does Vitamin D Supplementation Reduce the Rate of Infant Pneumonia?

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Reviewing Author