Children and teenagers who are overweight or obese may be affected by asthma, allergies or other chronic conditions that can be tough to cope with. While there could be many causes behind severe cases of asthma or allergies, a recent study presented on June 18 at the Endocrine Society’s 95th Annual Meeting in San Francisco, Calif., suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be the reason why.
“The increased risk for asthma and allergies, and for more severe cases of allergic disease, in overweight and obese adolescents has not previously been understood,” said lead investigator Candace Percival, M.D., a pediatric endocrinology fellow at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. “However, past research has shown that vitamin D is important for a normal immune system and that vitamin D deficiency is common in obese individuals.”
The researchers recruited 86 participants for the study between the ages of 10 and 18. Of the youngsters involved, 54 were either overweight or obese as determined by their body mass index rating, while the remaining were within a healthy weight range.
Researchers measured the levels of leptin and adipokines, a type of hormone coming from fat cells, that were in the participants’ bodies. Then, they conducted tests to determine what effect vitamin D had – or failed to have – on these two hormones. Ultimately, they learned that adipokine levels for obese youngsters were strongly affected by vitamin D and allergies.
“This is the first study, to our knowledge, that ties together the relationship of vitamin D deficiency and increased allergy risk and severity in obese and overweight adolescents,” added Percival.
Some foods that are rich in vitamin D that kids are sure to love include fortified cereals, dairy products and eggs, which also offer vitamin B12. In addition, types of fish like salmon, tuna and herring can be a great source of vitamin D, but chances are the little ones won’t be as excited about those dishes as they would a big bowl of cereal!
Tips for giving medicine to children
Parents who have kids that struggle with allergies or other conditions like the cold, flu, or sore throat, understand the importance of giving youngsters medicine that will treat their symptoms. However, getting little ones to take liquid medicines can sometimes be a hassle, which is why something like custom flavoring can be a terrific option.
For kids, being able to personalize the taste of medicine with exciting choices can make the process of taking syrups more fun. Parents can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that children are not only getting better, but also enjoying the great taste of medicine along the way.
For an independent pharmacy, offering a flavoring option for popular children’s medicines can help enhance the pharmacy customer experience and brand loyalty. Both of these can be important elements to building better, more trusting relationships with clients and improving overall medicinal compliance.
