Low Vitamin E in Mothers Linked to Asthma in Offspring

A new study first published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine has established a link between the amount of vitamin E present in pregnant mothers and their offspring. Children born to mothers who had low vitamin E were approximately five times more likely to develop asthma and other breathing problems such as quickened shortness of breath and wheezing than children born to mother’s who had received sufficient amount of vitamin E. The scientists from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland also stressed just how important it is for expectant mothers to receive enough vitamin E, particularly in the earlier months of pregnancy.

The recently completed also focused on the consumption of zinc, but to a lesser degree. In the study which took five years to complete, nearly 2,000 children were tested for cases of asthma and other lung disorders and problems. The mother’s eating habits as well as her vitamin E and zinc levels were tracked through food consumption surveys and blood testing. The study concluded that normal to high zinc and vitamin E levels decreased a child’s risk for asthma by approximately five times while, in addition, providing greater health for the mother.

Timing is key
A mother’s vitamin E and zinc are crucial during the entire pregnancy for various reasons; however, their levels take on significant importance during one part of pregnancy. From conception through the sixteen following weeks the fetuses lungs are rapidly developing. At sixteen weeks the lungs have completed developing and the importance of vitamin E as it relates to lung development is no longer stressed. High vitamin E levels are particularly important during the first sixteen weeks to ensure proper lung development and to reduce the occurrence of lung problems and asthma.

Second Study
This study marks the second time the same research team has tackled nearly identical problems. In a prior study, scientists conducted the same experiments; however, these experiments were completed on two year olds. This study focused its testing on five year olds to ensure the link between vitamin E and asthma detected in the first study was also present in five year old test subjects.

Why vitamin E?
After extensive research and analysis, scientists at the

University
of
Aberdeen

who were involved in the study determined the effects of vitamin E on the lungs of children had several different effects. In addition to the actual development of the lungs of children, the amount of vitamin E played a role in airway inflammation. The children of mothers in the lowest 20% for vitamin E levels were much more likely to develop asthma before their fifth birthday than those born to mothers with higher levels of the vitamin. One surprising finding of the study was that the child’s consumption of vitamin E appears to play no part in whether the child will develop asthma. It is instead dependent on the mother’s consumption.

Good diet stressed
The scientists emphasized the importance of a good diet for expectant mothers. They added that declining consumption of vitamin E over the last five decades may be linked with a rise in the cases of childhood asthma. The scientists insist that pregnant woman shouldn’t eat vitamin E simply because of this study, but should instead eat a well balanced diet to ensure both the mother and her offspring are healthy.

Good Sources of Vitamin E

Oils (Palm, Sunflower, Canola, Corn, Soybean, and Olive)

Nuts

Sunflower Seeds

Eggs

Sweet Potatoes

Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables