Work

The association of vitamin D deficiency with the severity of adenoid hypertrophy and allergic rhinitis in children: a retrospective observational study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) and adenoid hypertrophy (AH) are common pediatric comorbidities. Vitamin D is a known immunomodulator, but its relationship with the concurrent severity of AR and AH remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and disease severity in children with both conditions. Methods: This retrospective study included 268 children (3-12 years) with co-existing AR and AH. We collected data on serum 25(OH)D, adenoidal-nasopharyngeal (A/N) ratio, total and specific IgE, and symptom scores. Patients were stratified by 25(OH)D levels: severe deficiency (<10), deficiency (10-<20), insufficiency (20-<30), and sufficiency (≥30 ng/mL). Multiple linear/logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were performed. Results: = -0.50). After full adjustment, each 10 ng/mL decrease in 25(OH)D was associated with a 0.055-unit increase in A/N ratio. Compared to sufficiency, severe deficiency conferred a 7.13-fold increased risk of severe AH (A/N ratio ≥0.80) and a 7.83-fold increased risk of high total IgE (>400 kU/L). RCS analysis revealed a significant nonlinear dose-response relationship, with the strongest association observed at 25(OH)D levels below 20-25 ng/mL. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent and independently associated with increased severity of both adenoid hypertrophy and allergic inflammation in children with AR and AH. This association is most pronounced at lower vitamin D concentrations, suggesting that vitamin D status may play a role in the pathophysiology of these conditions and that correcting deficiency could be a valuable adjuvant therapeutic strategy.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1793848

Authors: Yating You, Ying Wang, Jian Zhu, Rui Guo

Institutions: Central South University, The First People's Hospital of Changde

Language: English

Topic: Vitamin D Research Studies

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801