Prenatal Vitamin E May Reduce Peanut Allergy Risk in Infants

A form of vitamin E, known as α-tocopherol (α-T) could reduce the development of food allergy and anaphylaxis, according to findings published by investigators in The Journal of Immunology. The study conducted on newborn mice revealed that the intake of prenatal vitamins that include α-tocopherol during pregnancy could reduce the incidence of peanut allergies in early life.^1,2

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Food allergies impact nearly 8% of children before they turn 2 years of age. In the US, approximately 1% to 2.5% of children have a peanut allergy, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Peanuts are a common food allergen that can trigger anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly reaction requiring immediate medical treatment. Symptoms of an anaphylaxis reaction can include impaired breathing, throat swelling, a rapid drop in blood pressure, pale or blue lips, fainting, and dizziness.^2,3

From 2007 to 2021, the prevalence of food allergies in children has increased 50%, with peanut allergy accounting for a 21% increase since 2010. This upsurge has allowed researchers to believe that nearly 2.5% of US children could have an allergy to peanuts.^2,3

Previous research has shown that vitamin E, specifically the α-T isoform, can influence allergic reactions in respiratory conditions. Studies in both humans and mice indicate that α-T is associated with improved lung function and reduced inflammation. The mechanism of action in α-T involves blocking certain cell signaling pathways by interacting with a protein called PKCα. Despite these findings, it is not yet understood if α-T can prevent the development of food allergies or anaphylaxis.^1,2

“The potential of α-tocopherol to reduce allergic reactions in children will likely be dampened by high levels of γ-tocopherol due to its prevalence in common cooking oils (soybean oil, corn oil, and canola oil) and supplements in the US,” Joan Cook-Mills, professor of microbiology and immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine, said in a news release.²

To further assess the impact of vitamin E on anaphylaxis, researchers used mice that were bred to mimic real-world conditions. These mice were selected because they were prone to eczema and food allergies, reflecting the link seen in humans where children with eczema are at higher risk for peanut allergies. Male mice with mutations in their skin barrier genes (FT−/− mice) were mated with wild-type females that received a diet supplemented with α-T or a control diet.^1,2

The study authors noted that the pups were sensitized 4 to 5 times over 2.5 weeks with skin co-exposure to the food allergen peanut extract (PNE) and the environmental allergen Alternaria alternata (Alt). Pups in the control group were exposed to saline, PNE only, or Alt only.¹

The results demonstrated that supplementing the maternal diet with α-t during pregnancy and nursing resulted in offspring with lower levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to food allergens. Furthermore, these pups experienced less severe anaphylaxis when exposed to peanuts.^1,2

Despite the positive findings, researchers emphasize that it may not be as attainable for mothers to benefit from α-t.²

“The benefit of these research findings is limited in the US unless an individual changes their cooking habits, but moreover, unless commercial production practices change,” Cook-Mills said in the news release. “Currently, α-tocopherol supplementation may have a greater benefit in European countries, where common cooking oils (sunflower oil, safflower oil, and olive oil) are high in α-tocopherol and relatively low in γ-tocopherol.”²

The findings suggest that prenatal vitamin E intake, specifically α-t, may reduce the development of peanut allergies and anaphylaxis in newborns, offering a potential preventative strategy. However, the prevalence of high levels of α-t in common cooking oils and supplements could dampen its potential benefits in children.^1,2

REFERENCES

1. Maternal supplementation with α-tocopherol inhibits the development of offspring food allergy, H1R signaling and ultimately anaphylaxis early in life. The Journal of Immunology. February 17, 2025. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://academic.oup.com/jimmunol/article/214/2/199/8018577

2. Taking vitamin E during pregnancy may decrease peanut allergy in children. EuerkAlert!. News release. February 19, 2025. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074143

3. American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Peanut. Updated March 14, 2019. Accessed March 28, 2025. https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/peanut/