Maternal Intake Of Vitamin Research Articles

Prenatal air pollution and children's autism traits score: Examination of joint associations with maternal intake of vitamin D, methyl donors, and polyunsaturated fatty acids using mixture methods.

Maternal nutrient intake may moderate associations between environmental exposures and children's neurodevelopmental outcomes, but few studies have assessed joint effects. We aimed to evaluate whether prenatal nutrient intake influences the association between air pollutants and autism-related trait scores. We included 126 participants from the EARLI (Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation, 2009-2012) cohort, which followed US pregnant mothers who previously had a child with autism. Bayesian kernel machine regression and traditional regression models were used to examine joint associations of prenatal nutrient intake (vitamins D, B12, and B6; folate, choline, and betaine; and total omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, reported via food frequency questionnaire), air pollutant exposure (particulate matter <2.5 μm [PM2.5], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], and ozone [O3], estimated at the address level), and children's autism-related traits (measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale [SRS] at 36 months). Most participants had nutrient intakes and air pollutant exposures that met US standards. Bayesian kernel machine regression mixture models and traditional regression models provided little evidence of individual or joint associations of nutrients and air pollutants with SRS scores or of an association between the overall mixture and SRS scores. In this cohort with a high familial likelihood of autism, we did not observe evidence of joint associations between air pollution exposures and nutrient intake with autism-related traits. Future work should examine the use of these methods in larger, more diverse samples, as our results may have been influenced by familial liability and/or relatively high nutrient intakes and low air pollutant exposures.

Maternal Diet Associated with Oligosaccharide Abundances in Human Milk from Latina Mothers.

Growing evidence indicates that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are important bioactive compounds that enhance health and developmental outcomes in breastfed babies. Maternal dietary intake likely contributes to variation in HMO composition, but studies identifying diet-HMO relationships are few and inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate how the maternal intake of macronutrients and micronutrients-specifically proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals-associated with HMOs at 1 month (n = 210), 6 months (n = 131), and 12 months postpartum (n = 84). Several associations between maternal dietary factors and HMO profiles were identified utilizing partial correlation analysis. For example, maternal free sugar (rho = -0.02, p < 0.01), added sugar (rho = -0.22, p < 0.01), and sugary sweetened beverage (rho = -0.22, p < 0.01) intake were negatively correlated with the most abundant HMO, 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL), at 1 month, suggesting that higher sugar consumption was associated with reduced levels of 2'-FL. Further, vitamins D, C, K, and the minerals zinc and potassium were positively correlated with 2'-FL at 1 month (pAll < 0.05). For the longitudinal analysis, a mixed-effects linear regression model revealed significant associations between maternal vitamin intake and HMO profiles over time. For example, for each unit increase in niacin intake, there was a 31.355 nmol/mL increase in 2'-FL concentration (p = 0.03). Overall, the results provide additional evidence supporting a role for maternal nutrition in shaping HMO profiles, which may inform future intervention strategies with the potential of improving infant growth and development through optimal HMO levels in mothers' milk.

Maternal Intake of Vitamin D Supplements during Pregnancy and Pubertal Timing in Children: A Population-Based Follow-Up Study.

Maternal vitamin D may be important for several organ systems in the offspring, including the reproductive system. In this population-based follow-up study of 12,991 Danish boys and girls born 2000-2003, we investigated if maternal intake of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy was associated with pubertal timing in boys and girls. Information on maternal intake of vitamin D supplements was obtained by self-report in mid-pregnancy. Self-reported information on the current status of various pubertal milestones was obtained every six months throughout puberty. Mean differences in months at attaining each pubertal milestone and an average estimate for the mean difference in attaining all pubertal milestones were estimated according to maternal intake of vitamin D supplements using multivariable interval-censored regression models. Lower maternal intake of vitamin D supplements was associated with later pubertal timing in boys. For the average estimate, boys had 0.5 months (95% CI 0.1; 0.9) later pubertal timing per 5 µg/day lower maternal vitamin D supplement intake. Maternal intake of vitamin D supplements was not associated with pubertal timing in girls. Spline plots and sensitivity analyses supported the findings. Whether the observed association with boys' pubertal timing translates into an increased risk of disease in adulthood is unknown.

Diet in pregnant women that delivered prematurely and preterm newborn’s bone status

Objectives Inadequate maternal dietary pattern has been associated to negative pregnancy and fetal outcomes. With this study, we aimed to evaluate the adequacy of diet in pregnant women that delivered prematurely and its possible correlations with bone status of preterm newborns. Study design We prospectively enrolled women who delivered prematurely (≤than 34 gestational weeks) and their newborns (Neonatal Intensive Care, University Hospital of Padova) from January 2017 to May 2018. Maternal nutritional status and diet supplementations were assessed using a validated questionnaire. The preterm newborns were evaluated with anthropometric measurements and bone status by Quantitative Ultrasound of the second metacarpal bone within 72 h from birth. Results One hundred and eighty mothers and 202 preterm newborns were evaluated. The mothers assumed more calories, proteins, total lipids and simple sugars compared to the revised National Guidelines. The intake of calcium, phosphorus and Vitamin D was inadequate despite the use of multivitamin supplements. The mothers assumption of vitamin D and zinc positively correlated with bone status and mothers with very low intake of vitamin D during gestation (<7 µg/die) had preterm newborns with a worst bone status at birth compared to those with a better intake (>7 µg/die). Conclusions Nutrition of pregnant women could be improved and maternal intakes of Vitamin D and zinc positively correlated with preterm newborn’s bone status.

Neonatal vitamin D status and risk of childhood epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a nervous system abnormality that may be caused by unknown exposures during fetal development. Studies have shown neuroprotective effects of early exposure to vitamin D in other neurological disorders, and seasonal variation in birth of children with epilepsy. We aimed to investigate if neonatal 25(OH)D3 was associated with risk of childhood epilepsy. This case-cohort study compared neonatal 25(OH)D3 levels from children with epilepsy (n=403) and a random selected cohort of controls (n=1163), assessing the hazard of first epilepsy diagnosis between 1 and 4years of age from a weighted Cox proportional hazard model. Analyses were adjusted for parental education, maternal age, maternal epilepsy, maternal ethnicity, and gestational age, and additionally for season of birth and smoking during pregnancy. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) of neonatal 25(OH)D3 levels were 30.8(19.6)nmol/L among cases and 28.5(19.4)nmol/L among the cohort. The hazard ratio (HR) of epilepsy was in a dose-response pattern higher among children from the highest neonatal 25(OH)D3 quintiles (P-trend=.004). Results were unchanged after including season of birth in the analysis, where a significantly higher HR of epilepsy was observed among children in the two highest quintiles compared to children in the lowest quintile (Q4: HRadj 1.62, 95% CI 1.07-2.47 and Q5: HRadj 1.86, 95% CI 1.21-2.86). In this study, the risk of childhood epilepsy increased with neonatal 25(OH)D3 categories in a dose-response pattern, suggesting an association between a high neonatal 25(OH)D3 and the risk of childhood epilepsy. Considering that adjusting for season of birth strengthened the results, we conclude that maternal intake of vitamin D, and not vitamin D from sun exposure, was the vitamin D source associated with epilepsy. Although we cannot, in the present study, control for compounds in the diet like pollutants or heavy metals, which may correlate with dietary vitamin D, future studies investigating fetal origin of epilepsy should focus on compounds correlating with vitamin D.

Immunologic Strategies for Prevention of Asthma

A new understanding of factors leading to the development of asthma has pointed to potential primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies. Some, such as genetic makeup, are not yet modifiable. Interventions targeting other factors such as maternal intake of vitamin D or environmental control can be used to decrease the risk of asthma development (primary prevention). The benefits of a diversified microbiome could be considered when recommending allergen avoidance and pet ownership. In addition to reducing symptoms, allergen immunotherapy is also worth considering for prevention of new sensitivities (secondary prevention) in addition to the development of asthma. Ongoing studies involving the use of bacterial vaccines and biologics may provide additional strategies for primary prevention of asthma and for reducing symptoms once it has developed (tertiary prevention). As the relative benefits of these strategies are defined, they should have an increasingly important place in the prevention and management of asthma.

Dietary Lipid Intake Influences the Alpha-tocopherol Levels in Human Milk.

Dietary lipid intake is associated with serum alpha-tocopherol levels; however, its impact on human milk is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between maternal intake of vitamin E, lipids, and fatty acids and the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in human milk. We conducted a longitudinal observational study, including 143 lactating women on 7, 30, and 90 days postpartum. Dietary intake was collected using 24-hour recall. On day 90, a human milk sample was collected and analyzed for alpha-tocopherol concentration. The prevalence of inadequate vitamin E intake was determined by the Estimated Average Requirement (16 mg/day), and the alpha-tocopherol concentration was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Dietary intake of vitamin E was associated with the intake of lipids (r = 0.237, P = 0.004) and fatty acids (P < 0.05), and 100% of the participants had inadequate vitamin intake. Mean alpha-tocopherol concentration in the human milk samples was 7.11 (standard deviation 3.95) μmol/L and was correlated with lipid (r = 0.201, P = 0.042) and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (r = 0.235, P = 0.017). Higher vitamin E levels were found in participants with the highest quartile of polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. Alpha-tocopherol concentration was associated with the dietary intake of lipids and fatty acids, demonstrating that its bioavailability is associated with fats in the mammary gland. These results suggest development of appropriate strategies to increase the levels of vitamin E in breast milk that may help to prevent and treat vitamin E deficiency.

Molecular Genetics involved in Neural Tube Defects: Recent Advances and Future Prospective for Molecular Medicine.

Folic acid and multivitamin supplements ((FAMVS) and genetics involvement is one of the major roles in the development of neural tube defects (NTDs). Our prior aim and objective is to establish an unique guideline and helps the policy decision making for our country India and the World. We have collected the data through the literature from the World for their necessary action, rehabilitation part all objectively in PubMed/Medline, Scopous, Embase, Cochrane Review, Hinari, and Google scholar. Statistical analysis was performed with very simple and logistic statistics, percentage, mean, total as collection through the available software SPSS with new version 17.0. The overall (70-95%) we find out those infants with neural tube defects (NTDs) associated with genes involvement and maternal vitamin intake (MVI). Before pregnancy relative risk (PRR) prior to non intake noted as 90% significantly reduced their risk of the NTDs. Now (40-60%) of the women of child-bearing age (CBA) don't use the folic acid intake and supplements (FAISs) in proper way in villages, urban, industrial and sewage areas. We find out that the genetic variants of the fourteen special reported genes, had the major risk factor (MRF) for the (NTDs) and associated abnormalities rate (AAR) within the developmental process in the human brain. The (45-55%) people still having at ignorant zone, due to lack of education, genetic counseling, and awareness till date.

The relationship between maternal nutrition in pregnancy and early childhood caries – a systematic literature review

Introduction. Odontogenesis of deciduous teeth is dependent on the intrauterine environment and shaped, among other things, by prenatal maternal nutrition. Proper deve-lopment of deciduous dentition, formation and mineralisation of the enamel and dentin determines the susceptibility to cariogenic factors. The current knowledge of the effects of prenatal nutrition and supplementation on the risk of early childhood caries (ECC) is unclear. Aim. An evaluation of the relationship between maternal nutrition in pregnancy and the risk of early childhood caries (ECC). Material and methods. A systematic review of literature on the association between prenatal maternal nutrition and early childhood caries was performed based on both electronic and manual search through medical databases, i.e. PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE, which allowed to identify 6 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROBINS-I questionnaire and a quality assessment of original papers was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Results. All analysed works were at a risk of bias associated with confounders affecting the intervention and interpretation of results. Four works were considered to be of good quality (NOS &gt; 6) and two other of medium quality. Conclusions. An increased maternal intake of vitamin D, calcium, dairy products, yoghurts and cheeses in pregnancy is an important factor reducing the risk of dental caries in their children. The risk of ECC is increased in the case of vitamin D deficiency, low intake of calcium and a diet high in fatty acids and carbohydrates.

Maternal dietary intake of vitamin A during pregnancy was inversely associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

The pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is largely unknown; however, vitamin A seems to play a role in diaphragmatic development. Previous case-control studies reported that maternal dietary vitamin A intake was inversely associated with the risk of CDH. To our knowledge, however, there is no prospective evidence regarding this association. Our aim was to examine whether maternal intake of vitamin A was associated with CDH occurrence. Baseline data, from the Japan nationwide birth cohort study (2011-2014) of 89 658 mothers (mean age at delivery = 31·2 years) who delivered singleton live births, were analysed. We assessed dietary habits using an FFQ focused on the first trimester and estimated the daily intake of total vitamin A (retinol activity equivalents), retinol, provitamin A carotenoids and vegetables. The occurrence of CDH was ascertained from medical records. A total of forty cases of CDH were documented. The adjusted OR of CDH occurrence for the high total vitamin A intake category (median = 468 μg/d) was 0·6 (95 % CI 0·3, 1·2) with reference to the low intake category (230 μg/d). When we restricted to mothers with a prepregnancy BMI of 18·5-24·9 kg/m2, vitamin A intake was inversely associated with the risk of their children being born with CDH (OR 0·5, 95 % CI 0·2, 1·0). Even given the limited number of cases in the study, our findings provide additional evidence to link vitamin A with CDH.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations at Birth in Children Screened for HLA-DQB1 Conferred Risk for Type 1 Diabetes.

ContextVitamin D has several effects on the immune system that might be of relevance for the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D).ObjectiveTo evaluate whether umbilical cord serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25[OH]D) differ in children developing either islet autoimmunity (IA) or overt T1D during childhood and adolescence.DesignUmbilical cord serum samples from 764 children born from 1994 to 2004 with HLA-DQB1 conferred risk for T1D participating in the Type 1 Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study were analyzed for 25(OH)D using an enzyme immunoassay.SettingDIPP clinics in Turku, Oulu, and Tampere University Hospitals, Finland.ParticipantsTwo hundred fifty children who developed T1D diabetes at a median age of 6.7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4.0 to 10.1 years) and 132 additional case children who developed IA, i.e., positivity for multiple islet autoantibodies. Cases were matched for date of birth, gender, and area of birth with 382 control children who remained autoantibody negative. The median duration of follow up was 9.8 years (IQR 5.7 to 13.1 years).Main Outcome MeasureThe median 25(OH)D concentrations.ResultsThe median 25(OH)D concentration in cord serum was low [31.1 nmol/L (IQR 24.0 to 41.8); 88% <50 nmol/L], but not statistically different between children who developed T1D or IA and their control groups (P = 0.70). The levels were associated mainly with geographical location, year and month of birth, age of the mother, and maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy.ConclusionsThe 25(OH)D concentrations at birth are not associated with the development of T1D during childhood.

Do Maternal Dietary Antioxidants Modify the Relationship Between Binge Drinking and Small for Gestational Age? Findings from a Longitudinal Cohort Study.

Vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids are potent dietary antioxidants that have been shown to attenuate ethanol-induced harm in animal models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. A diet low in antioxidant-rich foods may induce a state of oxidative stress in the context of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, potentially causing growth restriction in the developing fetus. We conducted a secondary analysis of a longitudinal U.K. birth cohort. The sample comprised 9,699 women and their babies in Avon, U.K., with an estimated delivery date between April 1, 1991 and December 31, 1992. Alcohol consumption data were self-reported at 18weeks' gestation via a postal questionnaire. Women reported any binge drinking (≥4 U.K. units/occasion) during the past month. Dietary data were self-reported at 32weeks' gestation using a food frequency questionnaire. Estimated intakes of vitamins C and E and carotenoids were categorized into quartiles. Logistic regression models with interaction terms were used to investigate relationships between maternal binge drinking, dietary antioxidants, and fetal growth. Models were adjusted for maternal sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics. Small for gestational age (SGA; <10th percentile) was defined using customized birth centiles. In the unadjusted models, binge drinking was associated with higher risk of SGA birth (odds ratio [OR] 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10, 1.72, p=0.005), and higher maternal intakes of vitamin C (OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.84, 0.96, p=0.002) and vitamin E (OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.84, 0.95, p<0.0001) were associated with lower risk of SGA birth. However, addition of potentially confounding variables attenuated these relationships. Likelihood ratio tests indicated that interaction terms were not significant for vitamin C (p=0.116), vitamin E (p=0.059), or carotenoid intakes (p=0.174). There was no evidence of maternal intake of dietary antioxidants modifying the relationship between maternal binge drinking and SGA birth.

Maternal status of vitamin D and risk of childhood wheeze: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective To assess the association between vitamin D levels during pregnancy and the risk of offspring’s wheeze. Methods We searched electronic databases of PubMed and EMbasefrom published studies until July 2017.A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted among 11 birth cohort studies. Results Eleven studies on the association between maternal vitamin D status and childhood wheeze met our inclusion criteria.Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy was associated with childhood wheeze(OR=0.97, 95%CI: 0.96~0.99). Maternal intake of vitamin D(pooled OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.37~0.64), cord blood 25(OH)D levels at birth (pooled OR=0.94, 95%CI: 0.9~0.98) were associated with childhood wheeze.Furthermore, maternal vitamin D stasus were only associated with childhood early wheeze(OR=0.92, 95%CI: 0.89~0.96), but not with late-onset or persistent wheeze. Conclusion High levels of vitamin D during pregnancy are inversely associated with the risk of wheeze during childhood. Key words: Vitamin D; Wheeze; Pregnancy

Vitamin A and D intake in pregnancy, infant supplementation, and asthma development: the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort

Western diets may provide excess vitamin A, which is potentially toxic and could adversely affect respiratory health and counteract benefits from vitamin D. The aim of this study was to examine child asthma at age 7 y in relation to maternal intake of vitamins A and D during pregnancy, infant supplementation with these vitamins, and their potential interaction. We studied 61,676 school-age children (born during 2002-2007) from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort with data on maternal total (food and supplement) nutrient intake in pregnancy (food-frequency questionnaire validated against biomarkers) and infant supplement use at age 6 mo (n = 54,142 children). Linkage with the Norwegian Prescription Database enabled near-complete follow-up (end of second quarter in 2015) for dispensed medications to classify asthma. We used log-binomial regression to calculate adjusted RRs (aRRs) for asthma with 95% CIs. Asthma increased according to maternal intake of total vitamin A [retinol activity equivalents (RAEs)] in the highest (≥2031 RAEs/d) compared with the lowest (≤779 RAEs/d) quintile (aRR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.40) and decreased for total vitamin D in the highest (≥13.6 µg/d) compared with the lowest (≤3.5 µg/d) quintile (aRR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.97) during pregnancy. No association was observed for maternal intake in the highest quintiles of both nutrients (aRR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.83, 1.18) and infant supplementation with vitamin D or cod liver oil. Excess vitamin A (≥2.5 times the recommended intake) during pregnancy was associated with increased risk, whereas vitamin D intake close to recommendations was associated with a reduced risk of asthma in school-age children. No association for high intakes of both nutrients suggests antagonistic effects of vitamins A and D. This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03197233.

Comprehensive maternal characteristics associated with birth weight: Bayesian modeling in a prospective cohort study from Iran.

Background:In this study, we aimed to determine comprehensive maternal characteristics associated with birth weight using Bayesian modeling.Materials and Methods:A total of 526 participants were included in this prospective study. Nutritional status, supplement consumption during the pregnancy, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometric measures, physical activity, and pregnancy outcomes were considered as effective variables on the birth weight. Bayesian approach of complex statistical models using Markov chain Monte Carlo approach was used for modeling the data considering the real distribution of the response variable.Results:There was strong positive correlation between infant birth weight and the maternal intake of Vitamin C, folic acid, Vitamin B3, Vitamin A, selenium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium as micronutrients, and fiber and protein as macronutrients based on the 95% high posterior density regions for parameters in the Bayesian model. None of the maternal characteristics had statistical association with birth weight.Conclusion:Higher maternal macro- and micro-nutrient intake during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of delivering low birth weight infants. These findings support recommendations to expand intake of nutrients during pregnancy to high level.

Higher Absorption of Vitamin C from Food than from Supplements by Breastfeeding Mothers at Early Stages of Lactation.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of vitamin C supply in the diet of lactating women on vitamin C concentrations in human milk (n = 97) sampled at different stages of lactation. Vitamin C levels were measured by liquid chromatography. Dietary intake of vitamin C was determined based on 3-day food dairies kept by breastfeeding mothers. Maternal dietary intakes of vitamin C from natural sources on lactation day 90 (n = 18) were significantly higher than on lactation days 15 (n = 42) and 30 (n = 37). The number of women taking vitamin C supplements decreased in successive stages of lactation. The average daily intake of vitamin C was estimated at 119 mg, but nearly 20% of mothers consumed less than 50 mg of vitamin C per day. No significant correlations were observed between lactation stage and vitamin C levels in breast milk (r = 0.110, p = 0.064). The average vitamin C concentrations in human breast milk were determined at 50.9 mg / L, and were not higher than 80.6 mg / L regardless of lactation stage and maternal intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C excretion into breast milk is regulated to prevent exceeding saturation level. The vitamin C concentration in milk was positive correlated with maternal intake of vitamin C from food, in the case of non-supplemented diet (r = 0.402, p = 0.041). Our results suggest that vitamin C occurring in food is much better absorbed and passes into breast milk than vitamin C from supplements.

Maternal use of folic acid supplements and infant risk of neural tube defects in Norway 1999-2013.

Like most European countries, Norway has refrained from mandatory food fortification with folic acid to reduce the number of neural tube defects. We explored the role of folic acid and multivitamin supplements in the prevention of neural tube defects among newborn infants. We used data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, 1999-2013. A total of 528,220 women had 880,568 pregnancies resulting in 896,674 live- and stillborn infants, of whom 270 had neural tube defects. Relative risks were estimated with log-binomial regression. From 1999 to 2013, intake of folic acid supplements increased from 4.8% to 27.4%. Vitamin supplement use was more frequent in older, married or cohabiting women and those with lower parity, as well as women who did not smoke during pregnancy. The overall adjusted relative risk of infant neural tube defects associated with maternal vitamin intake before pregnancy relative to no intake was 0.76 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-1.10). When we divided our study period in two (1999-2005 and 2006-2013), we found a significantly reduced risk of neural tube defects overall by vitamin use in the second time period, but not in the first: adjusted relative risk 0.54 (95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.91) and 1.02 (95% confidence interval: 0.63-1.65), respectively. OVER THE FULL STUDY PERIOD, WE FOUND NO STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VITAMIN USE AND NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS OVERALL HOWEVER, VITAMIN USE WAS ASSOCIATED WITH A SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER RISK OF NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE STUDY PERIOD, 2006-2013.

Prenatal, perinatal, and childhood vitamin D exposure and their association with childhood allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitization

The role of early-life vitamin D in childhood allergy is controversial. We sought to assess vitamin D exposure in early life by multiple modalities and ascertain its association with childhood allergic rhinitis and allergic sensitization. One thousand two hundred forty-eight mother-child pairs from a US prebirth cohort unselected for any disease were studied. Vitamin D exposure was assessed by measures of maternal intake during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels in mothers during pregnancy, cord blood, and children at school age (median age, 7.7 years; interquartile range, 1.0 years). Tests for associations between vitamin D exposure with ever allergic rhinitis, serum total IgE level, and allergen sensitization at school age were conducted. The correlations between maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy and serum 25(OH)D levels in pregnant mothers, cord blood, and children at school age were weak to moderate (r = -0.03 to 0.53). Each 100 IU/d of food-based vitamin D intake during the first and second trimesters (equivalent to the amount of vitamin D in an 8-ounce serving of milk) was associated with 21% and 20% reduced odds of ever allergic rhinitis at school age (odds ratios of 0.79 [95% CI, 0.67-0.92] and 0.80 [95% CI, 0.68-0.93]), respectively. There were no associations between maternal supplemental vitamin D intake or serum 25(OH)D levels at any time point with ever allergic rhinitis. There were no associations between any vitamin D exposure and serum total IgE level or allergen sensitization at school age. Inclusion of foods containing vitamin D in maternal diets during pregnancy may have beneficial effects on childhood allergic rhinitis.

Maternal Consumption of Dairy Products, Calcium, and Vitamin D During Pregnancy and Infantile Allergic Disorders

To assess the effect of maternal consumption during pregnancy of dairy foods, calcium, and vitamin D on allergic disorders in Japanese children aged 23 to 29 months.The study recruited 1354 Japanese mother-child between April 2007 and March 2008, and between 5 and 39 weeks of pregnancy.Data were obtained using the Kyushu Okinawa Maternal and Child Health Study (KOMCHS), a prospective prebirth cohort study. Participants returned the application form and questionnaires were obtained from patients at obstetric hospitals in Okinawa. Diet history of maternal intake was assessed from April 2007 to March 2008. The questionnaire, completed by the mother, also elicited maternal and paternal history of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis.Infants with mothers in the highest quartile for dairy product ingestion during pregnancy had a significant reduction in the risk of infantile eczema. A reduced risk of physician-diagnosed infantile asthma was significantly associated with higher maternal intake of cheese during pregnancy. Among mothers with yogurt and calcium consumption during pregnancy, physician-diagnosed infantile atopic dermatitis was found to be significantly inversely diagnosed. Increased risk of eczema was seen among mothers with high Vitamin D intake during pregnancy.Among offspring of mothers with high intake of total dairy products, cheese, yogurt, and calcium during pregnancy, the risk of infantile eczema, physician-diagnosed asthma, and physician-diagnosed atopic eczema may be reduced. There may be an increased risk of infantile eczema associated with higher maternal intake of vitamin D during pregnancy.Interest in the use of supplements and possible effects on atopy is growing. The significance of exposure during gestation is important in the long-term health of children, as seen in this study. This study raises interesting questions regarding exposure to foods via maternal intake during gestation and later development of atopic disease. Because the use of vitamin D supplementation is increasing, the authors remind us that there may be a risk of infantile eczema, and therefore further studies are warranted.

A multinational case-control study on childhood brain tumours, anthropogenic factors, birth characteristics and prenatal exposures: A validation of interview data

Little is known about the aetiology of childhood brain tumours. We investigated anthropometric factors (birth weight, length, maternal age), birth characteristics (e.g. vacuum extraction, preterm delivery, birth order) and exposures during pregnancy (e.g. maternal: smoking, working, dietary supplement intake) in relation to risk of brain tumour diagnosis among 7–19 year olds. The multinational case-control study in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland (CEFALO) included interviews with 352 (participation rate=83.2%) eligible cases and 646 (71.1%) population-based controls. Interview data were complemented with data from birth registries and validated by assessing agreement (Cohen’s Kappa). We used conditional logistic regression models matched on age, sex and geographical region (adjusted for maternal age and parental education) to explore associations between birth factors and childhood brain tumour risk. Agreement between interview and birth registry data ranged from moderate (Kappa=0.54; worked during pregnancy) to almost perfect (Kappa=0.98; birth weight). Neither anthropogenic factors nor birth characteristics were associated with childhood brain tumour risk. Maternal vitamin intake during pregnancy was indicative of a protective effect (OR 0.75, 95%-CI: 0.56–1.01). No association was seen for maternal smoking during pregnancy or working during pregnancy. We found little evidence that the considered birth factors were related to brain tumour risk among children and adolescents.