The importance of Vitamin E during pregnancy
Filed under: Feeding & Nutrition, Pregnancy and Birth
With everything expectant mothers need to be concerned about during pregnancy, taking vitamin E and zinc may not leap out as an important topic. Yet, according to an article in the current issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, it could be. The authors had previously reported an association between reduced maternal vitamin E intake during pregnancy and Maternal nutrient status was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire and plasma levels. Respiratory and food frequency questionnaires were completed at 5 years and children were invited for measurement of spirometry and skin-prick testing. In the current study, they scientists assessed whether maternal nutrient intake during pregnancy is associated with asthma-related outcomes in children aged 5 years old. Results indicated that in 5-year-old children, maternal vitamin E intake during pregnancy was negatively associated with wheeze in previous year, asthma ever, asthma and wheeze in previous year, and persistent wheezing. Maternal zinc intake during pregnancy was also negatively associated with asthma ever and active asthma. There were no associations between children's nutrient intake and respiratory outcomes. The experimenters concluded that maternal intake of foods containing vitamin E and zinc during pregnancy is associated with differences in the risks of developing childhood wheeze and asthma.If allergies and asthma run in your family, you may wish to monitor your taking of vitamin E and zinc during your next pregnancy.Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments