The association between vitamin C supplementation and wheeze in children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy has been a topic of recent research. A secondary analysis of clinical trial data revealed that improved airway function appeared to mediate this association. Longitudinal analyses of forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% expired volume (FEF25%-75%) at ages 3, 12, and 60 months showed significantly higher values for children whose mothers took vitamin C compared to children of placebo-treated mothers.
One of the key findings of the study was that wheeze occurrence was significantly lower in children between ages 4 and 6 years old whose mothers received vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy. The odds ratio for wheeze in the vitamin C group was 0.41, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.23-0.74. This highlights the potential protective effect of vitamin C on respiratory health outcomes in children exposed to maternal smoking.
More than half of the association between vitamin C supplementation and wheeze occurrence in children was found to be mediated through the impact of vitamin C on increased FEF25%-75%. This suggests that improved airway function plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of wheeze in children exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy. The researchers emphasized the importance of this direct association between maternal smoking and wheeze in offspring.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a well-known risk factor for poor respiratory function in children. While the percentage of mothers who smoke during pregnancy has declined over time in the United States, it remains a significant concern. According to the most recent CDC report, the rate of smoking during pregnancy was 4.6% in 2021. The study by McEvoy and colleagues sheds light on the importance of addressing this risk factor through interventions such as vitamin C supplementation.
The researchers analyzed data from the Vitamin C to Decrease Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function (VCSIP) trial, which randomized women who smoked during pregnancy to either 500 mg/day of vitamin C or placebo. The study included spirometry FEF measurements at ages 3, 12, and 60 months, as well as quarterly respiratory questionnaires to assess wheeze occurrence. A total of 243 offspring were included in the study, with most children having data at multiple time points.
The researchers acknowledged that wheeze in pediatric patients can be challenging to recognize, which may have influenced the results of the study. Future research could explore the long-term respiratory outcomes of children exposed to maternal smoking and the potential role of vitamin C supplementation in mitigating these effects. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between maternal smoking, vitamin C supplementation, and respiratory health outcomes in children.
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