“Below normal levels of vitamin D, due to low sun exposure, have been associated with increased incidence of food allergy and eczema in children,” NaturalIngredients.com reported Tuesday, citing a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. British researcher Dr. Nick Osborne led the study.

The study’s key finding: Peanut allergies are six times more common among 8-9 year olds in the least-sunny parts of Australia than in more-sunny climates. Eczema incidence was twice as high in sun-deprived areas.

“This investigation has further underlined the association between food allergies, eczema and where you live,” Osborne told the London Daily Mail. The researchers believe sunlight and vitamin D status are involved, but want to conduct further research.

To read the NaturalIngredients.com story about the study click here.

To read the study itself click here.