In the blog I have previously discussed the potential role of vitamin D and the prevention of asthma. In that blog, I mentioned there would be future studies examining this.
A National Institute's of Health study will be examining whether vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy can prevent the development of asthma in the children of pregnant women with asthma. The Vitamin D Antenatal Asthma Reduction Trial (VDAART), is a five-year research study that will enroll women between 10-18 weeks of pregnancy and randomly divide them into two groups. One group will receive a typical prenatal vitamin plus a vitamin D supplement, while the other group will receive the same prenatal vitamin plus a placebo or sugar pill. It is hoped that supplementation will ultimately lead to less asthma and improved overall health.
More information about the trial can be found at ClinicalTrials.gov along with sites that will be enrolling patients.
There is some interesting data suggesting that keeping your vitamin D level optimal will prevent colds, flu and in particular H1N1 (swine Flu). The Canadians are taking the data very seriously and starting studies to see if Vitamin D can prevent Flu
Here are links to two interesting articles:
August 2009-Vitamin D3 deficiency and its role in influenza
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs026/1102452079631/archive/1102685428884.html
Sept 2009-More on Vitamin D3 and influenza
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs026/1102452079631/archive/1102728693089.html