Research: MASLOVA and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 236

Abstract

MASLOVA and COLLEAGUES, Centre for Fetal Programming, Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum  Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark examined the relationship between maternal intake of vitamins A, E and K in mid-pregnancy and child asthma  and allergic rhinitis.

Background

Fat-soluble vitamins A, E and K have been shown to play roles in immunity and inflammation, but studies on child allergic disease have been few and inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between maternal intake of vitamins A, E and K in mid-pregnancy and child asthma and allergic rhinitis.`

Methodology

The authors used data on 44,594 mother-child pairs from the Danish National Birth Cohort. Maternal intake of fat-soluble vitamins was calculated based on the information from a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) completed in mid-pregnancy. At 18 months, interviews with the mothers were conducted to evaluate doctor-diagnosed child asthma. At age 7 years, we assessed child asthma and allergic rhinitis using questions from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and by national registries on hospital contacts and medication use. Current asthma was defined as asthma diagnosis and wheeze in the past 12 months by maternal report. We calculated multivariable risk ratios and 95 % CI by comparing the highest v. lowest quintile (Q) of maternal vitamin A, E and K intake in relation to child allergic disease outcomes.

Results

Maternal total vitamin K intake was directly associated with ever admitted asthma (Q5 v. Q1: 1·23, 95 % CI 1·01, 1·50) and current asthma at 7 years (Q5 v. Q1: 1·30, 95 % CI 0·99, 1·70). Weak inverse associations were present for maternal vitamin A and E intake during pregnancy with child allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion

Maternal vitamin K intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of child asthma, and should be explored further on a mechanistic level. Conversely, maternal vitamin A and E intake may protect against child allergic rhinitis.

References

Maslova E, Hansen S, Strøm M, Halldorsson TI, Olsen SF. Maternal intake of vitamins A, E and K in pregnancy and child allergic disease: a longitudinal study from the Danish National Birth Cohort.  Br J Nutr. 28; 111(6): 1096-108. Mar 2014. doi: 10.1017/S0007114513003395. Epub Nov 11 2013.

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