Study links fast foods with asthma and allergies

However, making a habit of feeding children fast food could make them more susceptible to allergies and conditions such as asthma, a new study has found.

Results published in January 2013 of the findings of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) show that children who have fast food three or more times a week are at significantly higher risk of developing severe asthma, hay fever and eczema. The risk is 27% higher in younger children and 39% higher in teenagers!

How the study was done

The study included findings from 51 countries, including South Africa. Questionnaires were completed over a period of 12 months by 13 to 14-year old teenagers and the parents or guardians of 6 to 7-year olds, asking participants what they ate and whether they experienced symptoms of asthma and allergies.

The study analysed the severity and frequency of symptoms, and how symptoms interfered with the daily lives and sleeping patterns of the children who took part.

Good diet = good health

The same study showed that children and adolescents who ate fruit instead of fast food three or more times a week had fewer symptoms, concluding that fruit may have a potential protective effect on severe asthma. The risk was down by as much as 11% among children who had three or more serves of fruit a week. Consumption of eggs, meat and milk products three or more times a week also offered protection against symptoms of all three diseases, the study found.

Significance of the results

Although the exact culprit ingredients in the fast foods were not pinned down by the study, researchers believe the higher risk of disease could be related to the higher levels of saturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, sodium, preservatives or sugar found in fast foods.

Sources
thorax.bmj.com
www.citypress.co.za
www.medpagetoday.com
www.theage.com.au