Serum Alpha- and Gamma-Tocopherol Levels in Atopic Mothers and Their Infants Are Correlated

Background: Vitamin E may have immunomodulatory properties beyond its antioxidant function. The objective here was to assess the α- and γ-tocopherol status and its correlation between atopic mothers and their infants. Methods: Mothers with atopic disease were recruited at the end of gestation and their infants were followed up. Serum samples from mothers and infants were collected at the infants’ age of 1 month. Atopic dermatitis was diagnosed during the 1st year of life and skin prick tests were performed at 1 year. Results: Infants’ serum γ- and α-tocopherol to fat ratios were significantly correlated with maternal serum ratios (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001 and r = 0.52, p = 0.004, respectively). In infants the serum α-tocopherol/fat was higher and the γ-tocopherol/fat ratio lower than in mothers. Serum tocopherol levels were not associated with skin prick test reactions or atopic dermatitis in the infants. Conclusions: Maternal tocopherol status determines that of the infant. Different tocopherol forms may have different serum levels and roles in the regulation of inflammatory diseases.