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Children with asthma may benefit from vitamin C
Al-Biltagi M. Clinical and Translational Allergy. 2011;1:9 doi:10.1186/2045-7022-1-9.
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Certain children with asthma may experience a reduction in symptoms with the help of vitamin C, according to a results of a new study.
Younger children with mild asthma symptoms appeared to have the greatest benefit, while older children with more severe symptoms reported the smallest benefit.
Mohammed Al-Biltagi, MD, from the Tanta University in Egypt, and colleagues analyzed the effect of 0.2 g/day of vitamin C on 60 Egyptian children with asthma aged 7 to 10 years. On average, vitamin C increased the forced expiratory volume per one second (FEV1) by 29%, which was modified by age of the child with asthma, their exposure to molds or dampness in their bedroom, and severity of their asthma. Information on the child’s exposure to dampness or mold in their bedroom was obtained through a parent questionnaire that included questions about mold odor, visible mold, moisture and water damage., according to a study published in Clinical and Translational Allergy.
Among children aged 7.0 to 8.2 years with no exposure to molds or dampness, vitamin C increased the FEV1 level by 37%. For children aged 8.3 to 10 years with exposure to molds or dampness in their bedroom for more than 1 year before the study, vitamin C increased the FEV1 level by only 21%, according to a press release.
In contrast to similar previous studies, the study authors concluded that the effect of vitamin C on children with asthma is heterogeneous. They suggest that further research is needed to confirm their findings and more accurately identify the groups of children who would receive the greatest benefit from vitamin C supplementation.
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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