Researchers Found Link Between Child's Risk For Eczema And Their Mother's Levels Of Vitamin B During Pregnancy

Eczema is a skin condition characterized by patches of skin becoming rough and inflamed, with blisters that cause itching and bleeding. A new study has found that infants whose mothers had high levels of a specific type of vitamin B during their pregnancy may be at a lower risk of developing eczema.

According to a study, published in the journal published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy, researchers at the University of Southampton found that low levels of nicotinamide, which is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3, and some related tryptophan metabolites, which you can get with proper diet, are some of the major factors in the development of atopic eczema, which is the most common form of eczema, in the child.

UPI reported that for the study, the team of researchers checked the amount of nicotinamide and related tryptophan metabolites during pregnancy in 497 women who were also part of the Southampton Women's Survey. The team also assessed the rates of eczema in their children at ages 6 and 12 months. Findings revealed that babies of mothers with elevated levels of nicotinamide had a 30 percent decreased the risk of developing atopic eczema at 12 months.

Indian Express also reported that there was an even stronger connection found with increased levels of anthranilic acid which is a tryptophan metabolite. The study pointed out that nicotinamide and related nutrients are vital for the body's immune responses and energy metabolism. It was also stated in the study that the researchers believe the concept of eczema is influenced by the baby's development in the womb and could expose ways of lowering down the risk of the skin condition.

The study also showed a progressive relationship between elevated maternal nicotinamide and anthranilic acid levels and a lower risk of atopic eczema, which suggests that the development of the skin infection can't be prevented just by the mere presence of the said nutrients.

"Nicotinamide cream has been used in the treatment of eczema but the link between the mother's levels of nicotinamide during pregnancy and the offspring's risk of atopic eczema has not been previously studied. The findings point to potentially modifiable influences on this common and distressing condition," said lead researcher Sarah El-Heis from the University of Southampton.

Meanwhile, nicotinamide can be maintained in the body through foods like fish, meat, chicken, mushrooms, nuts and coffee as well as tryptophan, an amino acid found in most proteins. It is also said that nicotinamide can boost the general structure, moisture, and elasticity of skin, thus may also potentially alter the disease processes linked with eczema, reported NDTV.

"More research is needed to investigate this interesting association, but the findings are further evidence of the potential benefits of eating a healthy balanced diet during pregnancy," added Keith Godfrey, a professor at the same university.