Clinical Citations: Do dietary factors increase the risk of adult-onset asthma?

Some epidemiologic studies have indicated that increased consumption of margarine is a risk factor for atopy in children. Now, Nagel and Linseisen report that a high intake of margarine is associated with an increased risk of the development of adult-onset asthma.

The study, part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, included 105 adults who had newly diagnosed asthma and 420 matched controls. Questionnaires were used to assess dietary intake of food groups, fatty acids, and antioxidants.

A high intake of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, was positively correlated with asthma. A high intake of margarine was associated with increased risk of adult-onset asthma. This association was stronger in men than in women. There were no other significant associations for other dietary fatty acids or for antioxidants.