∙ Vitamin D status at birth affects the child’s vitamin D metabolism and immune functions during childhood.

∙ Children with polysensitization show compromised vitamin D metabolism and reduced immune capacities.

Osong, 06 April 2026 ━ The Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH) stated that insufficient vitamin D levels at birth significantly impairs vitamin D metabolism and immune functions that are crucial for childhood growth.
* Vitamin D during childhood is essential for not only bone formation and growth but also maintenance of a balanced immune function.

If vitamin D concentration during pregnancy is low, infants are more likely to become sensitive to several allergens, which may compromise stable immune homeostasis later in childhood.

The KNIH-supported COCOA study* followed sensitization status of 322 children from birth through childhood, identifying three major patterns of childhood allergic response: Home Dust Mite (HDM), Pollen, and Polysensitization**.
* COCOA: COhort for Childhood Origin of Asthma and allergic diseases (PI: Prof. Soo-Jong Hong at National Medical Center)
** Polysensitization: Hypersensitivity and co-occurrence to several allergens.



※ Please refer to the attached files.