Total Vitamin C intake during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of eczema and asthma in children by age 2, say researchers according to a recent study.
2,000 women were studied 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 participants were required to fill out questionnaires that asked them about their dietary habits during pregnancy. They also 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 showed 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. However 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.
In conclusion researchers say their findings suggest that maternal dietary antioxidant intake during pregnancy may modify the risks of developing [asthma] and eczema during early childhood.
