Effects of Vitamin C and E Intake on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate of Asthmatic Children Exposed to Atmospheric Particulate Matter

One hundred eighty-four asthmatic children were selected from 8 schools in Tainan City (high PM10 [particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10m] exposure) and Hualien County (low PM10 exposure) in Taiwan, and completed records of dietary consumption, daily peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and daily respiratory symptoms for 1 week. The higher prevalence of PEFR less than 80% predicted was found in children of high-exposure district than of low-exposure one, as well as in subjects with high intake of vitamin E than those who took less vitamin E. Furthermore, the risk of declining PEFR appeared to significantly decrease for subjects with both high intake of vitamins C and E and residing in area of low PM10 levels as compared with those with low intake of vitamins C and E and residing in high-exposure area. The beneficiary effect of vitamin C and E intake on PEFR improvement for asthmatic children with low air pollution is suggested.