Does vitamin E prevent asthma or wheeze in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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#asthma #child #humans #observational-studies-as-topic #outcome-assessment-health-care

Does vitamin E prevent asthma or wheeze in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Wu et al., 2018 | Paediatr Respir Rev | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wu Hui, Zhang Chunwei, ... Li Yanlin. Does vitamin E prevent asthma or wheeze in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Paediatr Respir Rev. 2018-Jun;27:60-68. doi:10.1016/j.prrv.2017.08.002

Abstract

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with multiple phenotypes. Epidemiologic studies suggest a close relationship between vitamin E and the occurrence of asthma, wheezing and atopic conditions during childhood. Previous results on its effects have been conflicting. The aim of this meta-analysis was to critically examine the current evidence on the association of vitamin E with childhood asthma and wheezing. We searched electronic databases for observational studies in English-language journals published from 2000 to 2016. The initial search found 420 titles; nineteen studies were eligible according to the abstracts and details, which included reporting asthma or wheeze as an outcome. None of the articles included in this meta-analysis reported side effects of vitamin E supplementation during pregnancy. This meta-analysis found that vitamin E supplementation during pregnancy influenced the risk of asthma. To better understand the effectiveness and safety of vitamin E in children with asthma, large-scale, well-designed and randomized controlled trials are needed.

Key Findings

To better understand the effectiveness and safety of vitamin E in children with asthma, large-scale, well-designed and randomized controlled trials are needed.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Asthma
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Respiratory Sounds
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09