January 2013
In October 2012, a new study reported that intake of vitamins C and E is associated with a reduced prevalence of asthma. The number of individuals with asthma is increasing, and the disease affects approximately 25 million Americans, which equals about one in 12 adults and one in 10 children.
The subjects included 452 children between three and six years of age. The parents of the children completed questionnaires regarding lifestyle, demographics and asthma symptoms. The parents also completed a three-day diet history for the children.
The investigators showed that the children with the highest intake of vitamin C had a 65 percent decrease in the likelihood of asthma compared to the children with the lowest intake. Similarly, the children with the highest vitamin E intake had a 68 percent decrease in the likelihood of asthma compared to the children with the lowest intake. Higher fruit intake was associated with a lower risk of asthma, although this finding was not statistically significant.
The researchers stated, “These data suggest that children with high intakes of vitamins C and E may be associated with a reduced prevalence of asthma.”
Reference:
Nakamura K, et al. Public Health Nutr. 2012 Oct 1:1-6. [Epub ahead of print.]
Source: Asthma Related to Low Antioxidant Intake
