Multivitamins may reduce food allergies in children

Daily supplements of multivitamins may decrease the risk of food allergies in younger children, says a new study.

Scientists from the world famous Karolinska Institute in Sweden reported that multivitamin supplements had no effect on the incidence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, or atopic sensitization in 2,423 eight-year olds (1). However, when the researchers limited their analysis to children who started supplementation before the age of four, a 39 percent decrease in the risk of sensitization to food allergens was noted.

The researchers concluded that the results showed no association between current use of multivitamins and risk of allergic disease but suggest that supplementation with multivitamins during the first years of life may reduce the risk of allergic disease at school age.

1. Marmsjö K et al. Use of multivitamin supplements in relation to allergic disease in 8-y-old children. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009.