Nearly 9 million U.S. children have skin allergies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because of the high prevalence of adverse dermal reactions to allergens, a condition typically diagnosed as eczema, researchers have been looking into how to lower the prevalence of this problem, as well as what such a reduction would do.

A study lately published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that kids who have eczema and hay fever are nine times more likely to develop asthma in adulthood, compared to their allergy-less peers.

More than 17 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from the respiratory condition, which can dramatically reduce quality of life.

Researchers noted that clamping down on the incidence of eczema and seasonal allergies may indirectly reduce the prevalence of allergic breathing difficulties.

“The implications of this study are that prevention and rigorous treatment of childhood eczema and hay fever may prevent the persistence and development of asthma,” the team concluded.

Along with typical allergy medications, taking a dietary supplement may improve overall health and wellness by giving the body the nutrients it needs.