Fast food link to allergies

Tuesday January 15th, 2013

Fast food may be linked to rising rates of asthma and allergic diseases in the developed world, researchers report today.

A major international study has found a strong link between fast food eating and allergic diseases affecting teenagers.

Researchers also found links affecting younger children.

The study, reported in the journal Thorax, found that three services a week of fast food were linked to a 39% increased risk of severe asthma and teenagers. The risk among younger children was increased by 27%.

The study also found that eating regular helpings of fruit was linked to reduced risk of symptoms.

Dermatologist Professor Hywel Williams, of Nottingham University, UK, worked with Professor Innes Asher, a paediatrician of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, on the project.

They collected information about half a million children and teenagers in 51 countries taking part in an international study of asthma and allergy.

They asked about symptoms of asthma, eczema and rhinitis <!chronic runny nose>.

The researchers say the high levels of saturated fats and transfasts in fast food may interfere with children's immune systems.

The researchers write: "If the associations between fast foods and the symptom prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema is causal, then the findings have major public health significance owing to the rising consumption of fast foods globally."

Thorax 15 January 2013 [full text]

Tags: Allergies & Asthma | Australia | Diet & Food | UK News | World Health

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