Vitamin D Supplementation Reduces the Risk of Acute Otitis Media in Otitis-Prone Children

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 ( 653 episodes in preceding 6 months or 654 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 651 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 651 episode of spontaneous otorrhea. The likelihood of AOM was significantly reduced in the patients whose serum VD concentrations were 6530 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