A diet rich in vitamin E may be linked to a lower risk of eczema but not asthma in children, researchers report.

The study included 2,796 children (age 10-13) in Japan. Eczema, asthma and food intake were assessed using questionnaires. Blood levels of antioxidants were also measured.

Children with the highest vitamin E levels were 67 percent less likely to develop eczema than those with the lowest levels. No such link was noted for asthma risk.

The researchers also found no association between blood levels of carotenoids and eczema or asthma. Carotenoids like beta-carotene (which has the highest vitamin A activity) are found in plants such as dark or yellow vegetables and carrots.

Additional research is needed to confirm these early findings.

For more information about vitamin E, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database

1. Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com
2. Okuda M, Bando N, Terao J, et al. Association of serum carotenoids and tocopherols with atopic diseases in Japanese children and adolescents. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2010 Apr 30. View Abstract