Calcium and vitamin D intake in allergic versus non-allergic children and corresponding parental attitudes towards dairy products

Background: It is hypothesized that parents of children with allergic conditions believe dairy products are potentially harmful to their child. Objectives: This study compares the calcium and vitamin D intake of allergic versus non-allergic children and parental beliefs about milk and dairy products. Methods: A survey and food-frequency-questionnaire were administered to parents of children between 3 and 13 years, 110 with allergic disease (allergic rhinitis, asthma, food allergy, and/or atopic dermatitis) versus 110 without allergic disease. Calcium and vitamin D intake was calculated from the food-frequency-questionnaire and compared to National Institutes of Health recommendations. Associations between atopy, calcium and vitamin D intake, and beliefs were investigated using Chi-square test (α = 0.05). Distribution across subjects was investigated using Mann-Whitney-U test (α = 0.05). Results: Fewer allergic (51.8%) versus non-allergic children (77.3%) met the recommended calcium intake (p