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Meta-Analysis
. 2024 Mar 7;24(1):184.
doi: 10.1186/s12884-024-06377-3.

A meta-analysis of the effects of vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smokers on the pulmonary function of their offspring

Lei Wang #  1 , Lina Wei #  2 , Zhongtian Wang  1 , Xiaoting Ren  1 , Fushuang Yang  1 , Liping Sun  3   4
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

A meta-analysis of the effects of vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smokers on the pulmonary function of their offspring

Lei Wang et al. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. .

Abstract

Background: At present, the need for vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smokers has not been fully studied. This study is aimed at investigating whether vitamin C supplementation for pregnant smoking women can improve the pulmonary function of their offspring.

Methods: Four databases were searched from inception to April 1, 2023 for studies on the effect of vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers on the pulmonary function of their offspring. Meanwhile, the reference lists of relevant studies were manually searched. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool, and the data was analyzed using STATA/SE 17.0.

Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs), all of high quality, were enrolled in this meta-analysis, including 787 pregnant women. The offspring of pregnant smokers who received vitamin C supplementation exhibited improved Forced Expiratory Flow between 25 and 75% (FEF25-75), FEF50, FEF75, and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) compared to those who did not receive vitamin C supplementation. However, there was no statistically significant difference in Forced Expiratory Volume at 0.5 s (FEV0.5) and the ratio of FEV0.5 to FVC between the offspring of pregnant smokers who received vitamin C and the control group.

Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation for smoking pregnant women may enhance the pulmonary function of their offspring, particularly in FEF25-75, FEF50, FEF75, and FVC. Nevertheless, there are no significant differences in FEV0.5 and the FEV0.5/FVC ratio. These findings suggest that vitamin C supplementation has potential benefits for specific pulmonary function. Further studies are needed to comprehensively assess the effects of vitamin C on pulmonary function in the context of maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Keywords: Pregnant; Pulmonary function; Smoke; Vitamin C.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) flow diagram and exclusion criteria
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Forest plot for FEF25-75
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Forest plot for FEF50
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Forest plot for FEF75
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Forest plot for FVC
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Forest plot for FEV0.5
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Forest plot for FEV0.5: FVC
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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