Prenatal Vitamins & Asthma In Children

A prenatal vitamin helps to supply the nutrients you and your baby need to stay healthy during gestation. The nutrients inside a prenatal vitamin may also be paving the health of your child after utero. Certain vitamins you take may help reduce the risk of having a child with asthma.

Vitamin E and Zinc

According to a study conducted in 2006 by the University of Aberdeen, vitamin E intake during gestation may have protective effects against asthma. During this study, 1,800 pregnant women were analyzed regarding vitamin E intake and dietary habits. Blood samples were also taken. Before the child's fifth birthday, the women were contacted again and asked questions about the child's respiratory medical history, and an exam was done on about 800 of the children. Researchers found that the women with the highest intake of vitamin E were the least likely to have children with asthma or wheezing symptoms. Another study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in October 2006 found a connection between maternal intake of vitamin E and zinc and a reduction in asthma through childhood. This study found that women with higher dietary or supplemental increase in vitamin E and zinc are less likely to have a child with asthma.

Mechanism of Action

The study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2006 proposes two mechanisms for a reduction in asthma by vitamin E and zinc. These nutrients help to develop a healthier immune system. Those mothers with higher vitamin E and zinc intakes produce children with the ability to fight off inflammation, thus keeping the bronchioles open and functioning properly. Another mechanism lies in the influence of these nutrients on growth and development. Adequate zinc intake promotes a healthy birth weight, which reduces the development of asthma. The antioxidant properties of these two nutrients also help fight off cellular damage caused by free radicals, promoting a healthier respiratory system, even in utero.

Maternal Diet

To produce a healthy child, you must practice healthy habits during pregnancy. During gestation, your body requires approximately 300 additional calories. Fill these calories with nutrient-rich foods that provide the vitamins and minerals your body needs. While a prenatal vitamin may be able to fill the gaps of nutrition you are missing, they should not take the place of a healthy diet.

Breastfeeding

After you give birth, make the decision to breastfeed, recommends a report published in "Respiratory Research" in 2009. Evidence indicates that breastfeeding has many positive effects on the growth and development of your child, including the ability to reduce the likelihood of asthma.