Prevalence of Vitamin E deficiency and its correlation with symptoms, spirometry, and serum eosinophil in patients of asthma: A pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic respiratory diseases. Immunomodulatory effects of Vitamin E have been recognized in human and animal models under disease and normal conditions. OBJECTIVE: To observe the serum level of Vitamin E of patients suffering from asthma and to study the relation of serum Vitamin E levels with serum eosinophil, pulmonary function test, and asthma control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine of GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Gotri, Vadodara, Gujarat, on adult patients of asthma. After obtaining a detailed history and performing thorough physical examination of the patient, blood sample was collected for measurement of serum vitamin E and serum eosinophils. Then, patients were subjected to spirometry. Serum Vitamin E levels were measured by the calorimetric method. RESULTS: The serum Vitamin E is lower in asthma patients. The level of serum Vitamin E was significantly lower in patients with severe asthma as compared to mild and moderate asthma as well as it was also significantly lower in patients with uncontrolled asthma as compared to controlled asthma. CONCLUSION: The serum Vitamin E is lower in asthma patients and its level correlated well with spirometry and asthma control test (ACT) scores. Hence, Vitamin E supplementation may be beneficial for patients with poor ACT scores and severe disease in spirometry along with other treatments.