Vitamin E in children with asthma: A review

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder and the most common chronic disease among children characterized by frequent and chronic cough, wheezing, and dyspnea. Asthma is defined as an inflammatory process in response to T- Helper 2 cells. Vitamin E as a Lipid soluble vitamin; containing 4 isomers α, β, γ, б, with α- tocopherol as the most important isomer is an important defensive agent against epithelial tissue damages caused by antioxidants in human. The results of animal studies showed vitamins C and E cause decreased and modulation of pulmonary responses to oxidant agents such as O3 or NO2. A few studies showed an association between reduced intake of vitamin E by mothers during pregnancy and wheezing in children aged 2 years old. Some studies showed significant declines in serum vitamin E level in asthmatic children compared to non-asthmatic. However, in another study no significant relationship was observed between serum level of vitamin E and risk of asthma. There are controversies on the effect of vitamin E in children with asthma. This study aimed to investigate the role of vitamin E in children with asthma.