How Antioxidant-Rich Diets Relate to Asthma in Children Aged 3-18 Years

Greg Howard
28th July, 2024

How Antioxidant-Rich Diets Relate to Asthma in Children Aged 3-18 Years

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Shandong University studied the link between dietary antioxidants and asthma in 18,118 children in the U.S
  • The study found no significant association between the Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and asthma in children
  • Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed the absence of a significant link between CDAI and asthma, regardless of sex, age, BMI, or family history
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition affecting millions of children worldwide. Understanding the factors that contribute to asthma is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies. A recent study conducted by researchers from Shandong University aimed to investigate the association between a Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) and asthma in children aged 3-18 years in the United States[1]. This study is essential as it seeks to clarify whether dietary antioxidants could play a role in mitigating asthma risk in children. The study analyzed data from 18,118 children who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2003 and 2020. The CDAI was calculated by assessing the consumption of six dietary antioxidants: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and carotenoids. The researchers used multivariate weighted logistic regression, subgroup analyses, and sensitivity analyses to explore the association between CDAI and asthma. Among the participants, 2045 children (11.3%) reported having been diagnosed with asthma by a healthcare provider. However, the study found no significant association between CDAI and asthma. In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratios (ORs) for asthma were not significant, with ORs for the second and third tertiles of CDAI being 0.98 (95% CI 0.83, 1.17) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.76, 1.31), respectively. Subgroup analyses by sex, age, and BMI category also showed no significant associations. Sensitivity analyses, including adjustments for family history of asthma, confirmed the absence of a significant link between CDAI and asthma. These findings contrast with earlier studies that suggested a potential protective role of dietary antioxidants against respiratory diseases. For instance, a study on lung cancer risk indicated that a higher intake of individual antioxidants could reduce lung cancer risk among male smokers[2]. However, the current study's results suggest that the relationship between dietary antioxidants and asthma in children may not be as straightforward. The study's findings are also significant in the context of socioeconomic disparities in asthma prevalence. Previous research has shown that Black and Hispanic children in the United States have higher rates of asthma and asthma-related morbidity compared to White children, often residing in economically deprived communities[3]. While the current study did not find a direct link between CDAI and asthma, it underscores the need to consider multiple factors, including socioeconomic status, when addressing asthma disparities. Additionally, the study contributes to the broader understanding of asthma management and prevention. Poorly controlled asthma is associated with significant national burdens, including missed school days for children and missed workdays for their parents[4]. Effective asthma management strategies must be multifaceted, incorporating clinical, community, and school-based outreach efforts. The study also highlights the importance of exploring other potential factors influencing childhood asthma. For example, recent research has examined the role of dietary factors during pregnancy and early infancy in the development of asthma[5]. While the evidence is not yet sufficient to make specific dietary recommendations, these studies point to the complexity of asthma pathogenesis and the need for further research. In conclusion, the study conducted by Shandong University provides valuable insights into the relationship between dietary antioxidants and asthma in children. While no significant association was found, the findings emphasize the importance of considering a range of factors in asthma prevention and management. Future research should continue to explore the multifaceted nature of asthma, incorporating dietary, socioeconomic, and other environmental factors to develop comprehensive strategies for reducing asthma prevalence and improving respiratory health in children.

NutritionHealthFitness And Diet

References

Main Study

1) The association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and asthma in US children aged 3-18 years: a cross-sectional study from NHANES.

Published 26th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67702-6

Related Studies

2) Development of a comprehensive dietary antioxidant index and application to lung cancer risk in a cohort of male smokers.

Journal: American journal of epidemiology, Issue: Vol 160, Issue 1, Jul 2004

3) Childhood Asthma Incidence, Early and Persistent Wheeze, and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Factors in the ECHO/CREW Consortium.

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.1446

4) The national burden of poorly controlled asthma, school absence and parental work loss among school-aged children in the United States.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2017.1350972

5) Primary Prevention of Pediatric Asthma through Nutritional Interventions.

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040754


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