However despite this limitation the possible association between high vitamin E intake and congenital heart defects is an important one which warrants further research.

The study found that though the case mothers were found to be slightly older than control mothers, there was no difference between mothers in their medical history or family history of CHDs or in their use of tobacco, alcohol or use of vitamin supplements.

It is clear say the experts that further research is needed into the important question of whether high amounts of vitamin E in the diet during pregnancy increase the risk of congenital heart defects in newborns.

The research was conducted by Smedts, H.P.M and colleagues and was funded by a grant from the Corporate Development International and the Netherlands Heart Foundation.

The research is published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.