Volume 30, Issue 167, January 2026

Vitamin D deficiency in childhood and the risk of developing atopic dermatitis- a review of current data

Michał Wójcicki, Milena Kędzierska, Michał Biernacki, Agnieszka Kowalska^♦

Collegium Medicum at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland

^♦Corresponding author
Agnieszka Kowalska, Collegium Medicum at Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Poland

ABSTRACT

Beyond its well-known role regarding bone health, Vitamin D is also important for the immune system and the skin’s protective barrier. This review analyzes research from the past 15 years on the relationship between Vitamin D levels and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. The studies suggest that Vitamin D supports the maintenance of the skin barrier by regulating proteins that seal skin cells together and by boosting antimicrobial peptides, such as cathelicidins. Research also shows that lower blood Vitamin D levels are linked to worse AD, notably in locations with little sunlight. Clinical trials indicate that Vitamin D supplements can reduce symptom severity, particularly in children with severe AD or low Vitamin D to begin with. While Vitamin D appears to be a safe and helpful add-on treatment, differences between study designs make it hard to recommend a single standard dose for all children.

Keywords: vitamin D deficiency, atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema, children and pediatric

Medical Science, 2026, 30, e18ms3771

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v30i167.e18ms3771

Published: 30 January 2026