Does diet affect asthma?

January 01, 0001

Does diet affect asthma?

Asthma and atopy have been increasing in prevalence, especially in the more developed countries. This multinational study group examined whether there were links between diet and seasonal allergies and asthma. Cross-sectional studies using parental questionnaires were performed in locations from 20 countries (n=50?004). Random effects models were used to determine the Odd Ratios (OR). Results[The researchers found: "Fruit intake was associated with a low prevalence of current wheeze in affluent (ORadj 0.86) and non-affluent countries (ORadj 0.71). Consumption of fish in affluent countries (ORadj 0.85) and of cooked green vegetables in non-affluent countries (ORadj 0.78) was associated with a lower prevalence of current wheeze. Overall, more frequent consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish was associated with a lower lifetime prevalence of asthma, whereas high burger consumption was associated with higher lifetime asthma prevalence. None of the food items was associated with allergic sensitisation. Except for fruit juice and fruit consumption, no associations were found with atopic wheeze. Food selection according to the ‘Mediterranean diet’ was associated with a lower prevalence of current wheeze and asthma ever."

The researchers found: "Fruit intake was associated with a low prevalence of current wheeze in affluent (ORadj 0.86) and non-affluent countries (ORadj 0.71). Consumption of fish in affluent countries (ORadj 0.85) and of cooked green vegetables in non-affluent countries (ORadj 0.78) was associated with a lower prevalence of current wheeze. Overall, more frequent consumption of fruit, vegetables and fish was associated with a lower lifetime prevalence of asthma, whereas high burger consumption was associated with higher lifetime asthma prevalence. None of the food items was associated with allergic sensitisation. Except for fruit juice and fruit consumption, no associations were found with atopic wheeze. Food selection according to the ‘Mediterranean diet’ was associated with a lower prevalence of current wheeze and asthma ever."

The researchers concluded: "Diet is associated with wheeze and asthma but not with allergic sensitisation in children. These results provide further evidence that adherence to the ‘Mediterranean diet’ may provide some protection against wheeze and asthma in childhood."

This study suggests interesting links between diet and symptoms of atopy, warranting further study.

For the full abstract, click here.

Thorax 65(6):516-522, June 2010
© 2010 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd & British Thoracic Society
Effect of diet on asthma and allergic sensitisation in the International Study on Allergies and Asthma in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Two -- Nagel et al.. Gabriele Nagel, Gudrun Weinmayr, Andrea Kleiner, et al. Correspondence to Gabriele Nagel: [email protected]

Category: R. Respiratory. Keywords: asthma, allergies, atopy, diet, Mediterranean diet, cross- sectional study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Paul Schaefer, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 29 June 2010

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.