Research by scientists at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, has shown that levels of Vitamin E in women during pregnancy were directly related to the birth weight of their babies. More precisely, higher plasma concentrations of one form of vitamin E - alpha-tocopherol - were positively related to increased fetal growth.

The researchers followed 1,231 women and measured their plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol at week 1 and week 28 of their pregnancy. Researchers found that the women who had a higher level of the vitamins during the tests tended to have bigger children.

Also, concentrations of alpha-tocopherol at week 28 was positively related to use of prenatal multivitamins and dietary intake of vitamin E.

Earlier this year, research conducted by British researchers suggested that lower levels of Vitamin E in women during pregnancy may pose asthma risks to their children.

The research also found a negative association between maternal zinc levels and children with active asthma or those who had ever been diagnosed with asthma.