Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
05:31
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Early life events in asthma--diet
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK. g.devereux@abdn.ac.uk
Pediatric Pulmonology
|June 28, 2007
Summary
Maternal diet during pregnancy, particularly vitamin E, zinc, and vitamin D intake, may influence childhood asthma development. Further research is needed to confirm if dietary interventions can reduce asthma prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition and immunology
- Pediatric respiratory health
Background:
- Rising childhood asthma prevalence suggests environmental factors, including diet, may play a role.
- Interest is growing in how maternal and early childhood nutrition impacts asthma development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal dietary intake of specific nutrients during pregnancy and the risk of childhood asthma and wheezing.
- To explore the potential mechanisms by which early life diet influences fetal development and immune responses to allergens.
Main Methods:
- Review of observational studies and a childhood fish oil supplementation trial.
- Analysis of two birth cohort studies examining maternal nutrient intake (vitamin E, zinc, vitamin D) and child asthma/wheezing outcomes up to age 5.
Main Results:
- Early childhood intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) shows little support for influencing childhood asthma development.
- Reduced maternal intake of vitamin E, zinc, and vitamin D during pregnancy is linked to increased asthma and wheezing in children.
- Maternal fish oil supplementation may alter neonatal immune responses, but clinical relevance requires further study.
Conclusions:
- Early life diet, including maternal intake of vitamin E, zinc, and vitamin D, may modulate the risk of childhood asthma.
- Dietary nutrients can influence fetal airway development and early immune system interactions with allergens.
- Further intervention studies are necessary to determine if early dietary interventions can serve as a public health strategy to decrease childhood asthma prevalence.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...