Vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of acute otitis media in otitis-prone children

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013 Oct;32(10):1055-60. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31829be0b0.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a deficit in vitamin D (VD) is associated with an increased risk of recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) and whether VD supplementation is effective in reducing the number of AOM episodes in otitis-prone children.

Methods: A total of 116 children with a history of recurrent AOM (≥3 episodes in preceding 6 months or ≥4 episodes in preceding 12 months) were prospectively and blindly randomized to receive oral VD 1000 IU/d or placebo for 4 months. Episodes of AOM were monitored for 6 months.

Results: Fifty-eight children received placebo and 58 with similar characteristics were treated with VD. The number of children experiencing ≥1 AOM episode during the study period was significantly lower in the treatment group (26 versus 38; P = 0.03). There was a marked difference in the number of children who developed uncomplicated AOM (P < 0.001), but no difference in the number of children with ≥1 episode of spontaneous otorrhea. The likelihood of AOM was significantly reduced in the patients whose serum VD concentrations were ≥30 ng/mL.

Conclusions: VD hypovitaminosis is common in children with recurrent AOM and associated with an increase in the occurrence of AOM when serum 25(OH)D levels are <30 ng/mL. The administration of VD in a dosage of 1000 IU/d restores serum values of ≥30 ng/mL in most cases and is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of uncomplicated AOM.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Male
  • Otitis Media / drug therapy*
  • Otitis Media / metabolism
  • Otitis Media / prevention & control
  • Placebos
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vitamin D / metabolism
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Vitamin D