Sept. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Increasing use of folic acid and other dietary supplements by women may be one reason why the prevalence of asthma has nearly doubled in the past 25 years, U.S. researchers are suggesting.

They found that a pregnant woman's diet can cause gene regulation (epigenetic) changes that increase an offspring's risk of developing allergic asthma.

Sept. 18 (HealthDay News) -- Increasing use of folic acid and other dietary supplements by women may be one reason why the prevalence of asthma has nearly doubled in the past 25 years, U.S. researchers are suggesting.

They found that a pregnant woman's diet can cause gene regulation (epigenetic) changes that increase an offspring's risk of developing allergic asthma.

(HealthDay News) -- More than half of Americans take a dietary supplement of some kind, the Cleveland Clinic says.

But all supplements aren't safe and effective. The clinic offers this primer:

* There's no better substitute for a healthy, balanced diet, which can provide most healthy people with all of the nutrients they need.
* Supplements are a good option for people who can't get enough of certain needed nutrients through diet. Pregnant women, athletes and vegetarians are prime examples.

For more information on the safety and effectiveness of a number of herbal products please check here:

www.nccam.nih.gov

They provide a nice listing of commonly used herbs that the National Institute of Health has sponsored clinical trials on and provides information on any side effects that should be considered when taking herbal supplements.