Vitamins may give kids asthma, allergies

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.... The study of 8,000 infants found an association between early infant

multivitamin intake and asthma among black infants, as well as a link

between early infant multivitamin intake and food allergies in formula-fed

infants.

" We are taking about allergies with an immediate reaction -- like hives,

throat closure and drop in blood pressure, " said Dr. Milner of the

Children's National Medical Center in Washington.

What causes the link is still unknown. ...

The study reported that more than half of all U.S. infants are being fed

multivitamins, often added to feeding formula.

Animal testing cited in the study show that some vitamins might cause cell

changes that can increase the chances of allergic responses in infants as

they encounter antigens, which are foreign substances that can stimulate an

immune response when introduced into the body.

The study cited a number of different explanations for why black children

have higher rates of asthma -- such as communication issues between parents

and their doctors -- and recommended further research into the issue.

The report also cited factors in increased rates of asthma:

* having a smoker in the household;

* male gender;

* low income;

* lower education;

* premature birth (37 weeks or less);

* no history of breastfeeding;

* child care

Factors cited in increased rates of food allergies include:

* child care;

* higher levels of education;

* no history of breastfeeding...