Vitamin C in Pregnancy Linked to Asthma and Eczema in Kids

(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Total Vitamin C intake during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of eczema and asthma in children by age 2, according to a new study.

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom studied 2,000 women to determine how antioxidant intake during pregnancy affects the development of asthma and eczema in children. The full two-year study was completed by 1,300 of the women.

The women were required to fill out questionnaires that asked them about their dietary habits during pregnancy. They also and had their blood tested for antioxidant levels. Follow-ups were conducted at six-, 12-, and 24-month intervals on 1,924 of the children born to the study participants.

Results show children whose mothers had the highest levels of total vitamin C intake were also the most likely to develop eczema and asthma by age 2. Other antioxidants test such as vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, magnesium, copper, or zinc were not associated with early childhood eczema or asthma. However, vitamin E did appear to decrease both asthma and eczema risk.

Authors conclude, “This study suggests maternal dietary antioxidant intakes during pregnancy may modify the risks of developing [asthma] and eczema during early childhood. Further follow-up of the [children] will determine whether maternal diet during pregnancy is associated with asthma and atopic disease later in childhood.”

SOURCE: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2005;171:121-128