Low Maternal Intake of Vitamins E and D Increase Risk of Asthma in Children
Researchers reported in a recent study that maternal intake of vitamin D and vitamin E impacts the risk of asthma in children. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, approximately 25 million Americans have asthma including an estimated one in 10 children.
The investigators evaluated 1,924 children/mother pairs. The mothers completed food frequency questionnaires during pregnancy to determine vitamin plasma D and vitamin E intake. Researchers also measured levels of alpha-tocopherol in the mothers during pregnancy at 11 weeks gestation. At ten years of age, questionnaires were completed on the children to assess respiratory status. The researchers also collected data on the children at one, two, five, and ten years of age and assessed for asthma symptoms and doctor-diagnosed asthma.
Low maternal vitamin D intake during pregnancy was associated with a 10% increased risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma in the children at ten years of age. Similarly, the investigators showed that low maternal alpha-tocopherol at 11 weeks gestation was also associated with an increased risk of the children requiring asthma treatment. Furthermore, low maternal vitamin E intake was associated with an 11% increased risk of doctor-diagnosed asthma in the children in the first ten years.
The researchers concluded, “Low maternal vitamin D and E intakes during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of children developing asthma in the first 10 years of life. These associations may have significant public health implications.”
Reference:
Allan KM, et al. Eur Respir J. 2014 Oct 30.
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