Race Differences in the Association between Multivitamin Exposure and Wheezing in Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether vitamin D exposure, as estimated by use of multivitamins, is positively or negatively associated with recurrent wheezing in infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study enrolled 300 infants, born at 28 (0/7)– 34 (6/7) weeks gestational age, and conducted follow-up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months adjusted age. RESULTS: 55.9% of black and 36.6% of non-black infants experienced recurrent wheezing. Adjusted odds ratios for the association between multivitamin exposure at 3 months and recurrent wheezing were 2.15 (95% CI: 0.97, 4.75) for black and 0.43 (95% CI: 0.19, 0.96) for non-black infants with an interaction by race (p=0.003). In lag-effect models, odds ratios were 2.69 (95% CI: 1.41, 5.14) for black and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.27, 0.92) for non-black infants. CONCLUSIONS: Differences by race were seen in associations between multivitamins and wheezing; population heterogeneity should be considered when evaluating vitamin supplementation.