Study links consumption of fast foods to the onset of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children and adolescents
Certain foods may increase or decrease the risk of developing asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema. Researchers have recently published in the journal Thorax, a study explored the impact of different types of ingestion of food on these diseases.
During phase three of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood, who studied 500 000 children from over 50 countries were completed by adolescents aged 13 to 14 years of age or parents / guardians of children aged 6 to 7 years age, quizzes reporting rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma and eczema as well as types and frequency of food intake over the last 12 months.
As a result, it was found that consumption of fruit greater than or equal to three times per week had a protective effect, reducing the risk of children and adolescents suffering from asthma attacks. This beneficial effect is due to strengthening the immune system through vitamins and antioxidant substances contained in the fruits.
Moreover, children and adolescents who consumed fast foods three times per week or more, had a higher risk of severe allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema, and rhinoconjunctivitis as hamburgers and other snacks are rich in trans fatty acids, responsible for the decrease immunity.
These results are of great public health importance because the consumption of fast foods in Brazil is quite significant.
A survey in 2011 showed that the preference for fast foods at the expense of traditional restaurant was reported by 74% of respondents, and the preferred networks were the Mc Donald's (44%), the Subway (17%) and Burger King (8%)
The survey also showed that 28% of Brazilians are restaurant meals fast food more than once a week.
Source: Thorax, 2013 Apr, 68 (4) :351-60
