Carolyn Cairncross

Citation

Thesis Title
Vitamin D and Preschool Children - predictors of status and relationship with allergic and respiratory diseases in New Zealand

Read article at Massey Research Online:

The role of vitamin D in allergic and respiratory conditions is increasingly being recognised through an immune-modulatory role. However the current evidence is inconsistent, with very limited data in the preschool age group.  Ms Cairncross’ work investigated the relationship of vitamin D with allergic and respiratory diseases in New Zealand preschool children. The predictors of vitamin D deficiency were consistent with those in previous studies of other age groups in New Zealand. Vitamin D status was not associated with allergic diseases or respiratory infections. In contrast, high vitamin D concentrations were associated with a two-fold increased risk of food allergy, highlighting the complex nature of this relationship between vitamin D and allergic diseases.

Supervisors
Professor Pamela Von Hurst
Associate Professor Cameron Grant
Dr Welma Stonehouse
Professor Cathryn Conlon