Vitamin D Kids Asthma Study

STUDY BASICS

Does your child (ages 6-16) have asthma? If so, he or she may be able to take part in a research study to find out if taking vitamin D helps reduce the number of asthma attacks. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Asthma is a major public health problem, and the number of children in the Pittsburgh area with asthma is higher than the national average. Previous research found that low levels of vitamin D are associated with worsening asthma symptoms, but researchers are not sure why. The purpose of this study is to see if taking vitamin D lessens the number of asthma attacks in children with asthma who have low blood vitamin D levels and asthma flare ups.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Ages 6-16
• Diagnosed with asthma
• Use of asthma medications for at least 6 months out of past year

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves 8-9 visits, with each visit lasting between 30-90 minutes. Visits will take place at a Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP) of UPMC location or in your home. Study participation requires your child to complete questionnaires, perform breathing tests, and have blood drawn at some study visits. Some children who participate in this study will be given vitamin D and some will be given a placebo. The placebo looks and tastes just like vitamin D but does not contain any vitamin D. Your child will be assigned by chance, like the flip of a coin, to receive either vitamin D or placebo. Total study participation will last about one year.