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Fruit intake reduces the onset of respiratory allergic symptoms in schoolchildren
Author(s) -
Kusunoki Takashi,
Takeuchi Jiro,
Morimoto Takeshi,
Sakuma Mio,
Yasumi Takahiro,
Nishikomori Ryuta,
Higashi Akane,
Heike Toshio
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12817
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , ragweed , allergy , odds ratio , confidence interval , logistic regression , prospective cohort study , food allergy , sensitization , pediatrics , immunology
Background Previous studies have shown that dietary pattern is associated with allergy prevention. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study on all primary schools in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Questionnaires regarding allergic symptoms and diet were distributed to the parents of all 759 7‐year‐old schoolchildren for 4 consecutive years, from 2011 to 2014. Specific immunoglobulin E to inhalant allergens was measured at 10 years of age. Participants were then categorized as low, medium, or high intake during the study period for four food groups (fruits, vegetables, fish, and beans). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results A total of 520 children (68.5%) whose parents responded to the questionnaires all 4 years were included in the analysis. The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and any allergic symptoms at age 10 was significantly decreased with increases in fruit intake. In addition, the onset of any allergic symptoms during the study period was significantly decreased with increases in fruit intake (33.3%, 28.3%, and 14.3% in children with low, medium, and high fruit intake, respectively; P for trend =.01). The sensitization rate to ragweed at age 10 was significantly decreased with increases in fruit intake ( P for trend =.046). No significant effect was observed for the other three food groups, except for the association between fish intake and new‐onset asthma symptoms. Conclusions These findings suggest that higher intake of fruit can help prevent respiratory allergic symptoms in schoolchildren.