A Turkish study indicates that a Mediterranean eating plan could aid in managing asthma symptoms and improving overall health in overweight children, though larger research is needed to confirm these promising findings.
A recent study has added to evidence that diet may play a role in helping children with asthma, particularly those who are overweight. Researchers following children on a tailored Mediterranean eating plan for eight weeks found improvements in asthma control, quality of life and several health measures, according to Gram Research and the Syrian Arab News Agency.
The study tracked 37 children aged six to 15 at Adnan Menderes University in Turkey. After eight weeks on the diet, the children showed lower body mass index, smaller waist measurements and a reduced share of body fat. The researchers also reported better asthma control and stronger quality-of-life scores, alongside improvements in markers linked with inflammation, blood sugar regulation and cholesterol.
The findings fit with a wider body of research on the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruit, pulses, whole grains, nuts, olive oil and fish, while limiting highly processed foods. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 45 studies involving nearly 393,000 children found that closer adherence to the diet was associated with fewer asthma-related problems, and that higher fruit and vegetable intake was linked with a lower risk of asthma in children. Other studies have also pointed to possible benefits for inflammation and wheezing.
Researchers have previously reported that children with asthma who followed the diet had lower levels of inflammatory markers, while a randomised trial found that adding fatty fish to a Mediterranean-style diet improved inflammation measures. Still, the Turkish study was small and lacked a control group, so the authors said the results should be treated as encouraging but preliminary. Larger trials will be needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
