Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation of the airways, causing breathing difficulties, chest tightness, and coughing.

Although the exact causes of asthma are still unclear, various studies have suggested that a mother’s vitamin deficiency could affect her child’s susceptibility to asthma. In this article, we will discuss the link between vitamin deficiency in mothers and asthma in children.

What are vitamins?

Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs for proper growth and development. They can be obtained from a healthy and balanced diet or through supplements. There are two types of vitamins; fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.

Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fat tissue, while water-soluble vitamins are not stored in the body and need to be replenished regularly.

Causes of vitamin deficiency in mothers

Vitamin deficiency in mothers can occur due to various factors, such as poor diet, lack of sun exposure, malabsorption, and underlying medical conditions.

Vitamin D, for instance, is obtained through exposure to sunlight, and inadequate sun exposure can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Similarly, women who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets might have a deficiency in vitamin B12, which is mainly found in animal products.

The link between maternal vitamin deficiency and asthma in children

Studies have suggested that a mother’s vitamin deficiency during pregnancy or breastfeeding could affect her child’s susceptibility to asthma.

Vitamin D, for example, is known to regulate immune function, and its deficiency has been linked to increased asthma risk in children. A study conducted by the University of Adelaide found that pregnant women with low vitamin D levels had an increased risk of giving birth to children with asthma.

Similarly, studies have linked the deficiency of other vitamins, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, to asthma in children.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative stress, which can cause inflammation and damage to the respiratory tract. Vitamin C, on the other hand, plays a vital role in immune function and has been found to reduce asthma symptoms in children.

How maternal vitamin deficiency affects the child’s immune system

A mother’s vitamin deficiency during pregnancy or breastfeeding can affect the child’s immune system by altering the expression of genes involved in immune function.

Vitamin D, for instance, plays a critical role in regulating the expression of genes involved in immune function, and its deficiency can lead to dysregulation of the immune system. Similarly, vitamin E deficiency can affect the production of cytokines, which are molecules involved in immune response, leading to increased susceptibility to allergies and asthma.

Preventing maternal vitamin deficiency for reducing asthma in children

To prevent maternal vitamin deficiency, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume a healthy and balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

They should also consult their healthcare provider to determine whether they need vitamin supplements to meet their nutritional needs adequately.

Exposure to sunlight is an essential source of vitamin D, and pregnant women could spend at least 15 minutes in the sun to ensure adequate vitamin D levels.

However, excessive sun exposure can also increase the risk of skin cancer; therefore, women should take precautions such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maternal vitamin deficiency during pregnancy or breastfeeding could affect the child’s susceptibility to asthma.

Vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin C play a vital role in immune function and could prevent the development of asthma in children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume a healthy and balanced diet and consult their healthcare provider to ensure that they meet their nutritional needs adequately.