Abstract
Background: High intake of fish oil, antioxidants, and fruits have been suggested to exert positive effects on lung function. However, the results are not concluding. This study is aimed at investigating the association of dietary composition on wheezing and lung function in school-aged children.
Methods: A total of 1378 children (654 girls) with mean age of 13±1.5 years participated in this cross-sectional study. A detailed questionnaire regarding diet was used to assess the intake of different food groups. Dietary patterns were categorized into Western (high consumption of fast foods, meat with few vegetables), Asian (high amount of rice, and vegetables with few meat) and Healthy diet (balanced with vegetables, fruits, dairy products and meat and fish). Spirometry was performed to assess the lung function. Wheezing was recognized according to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood.
Results: A weak but significant positive correlation was found between consumption of dairy products, fish, egg, fruits and coffee with forced expiratory volume in 1 second ((FEV1), r=0.113, r=0.141, r=0.104, r=0.116, r=0.148, respectively, all p<0.05). Those with healthy diet had significantly lower frequency of wheezing compared to those with western and Asian diet (OR, 1.74, 95%CI(1.16-2.61)) and (OR, 1.23, 95%CI(1.02-1.47)).
Conclusion: Dietary composition has a small but measurable effect on FEV1 and frequency of wheezing in school-aged children.
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