Comparison of Intake of Food Consumption Pattern in Asthmatic and Healthy Adults

Epidemiological studies of diet and asthma have focused on intakes of individual nutrients and foods and few studies have examined associations with dietary patterns. The aim of this study was to determine dietary patterns in patients with asthma.
A case–control study of 47 cases with asthma and 47 healthy controls aged between 18 and 50 in Ahvaz, Iran, was carried out. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected by personal questionnaire. Information about usual diet was obtained by semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Independent sample t-test was used to compare variables.
No significant differences were observed in anthropometric indices and dietary intakes of energy and macronutrients between groups. The meat and alternatives food group consumed less in asthmatic patients compared to healthy controls (P=0.032), but no significant differences were shown in the consumption of other main food groups. The processed meats, fast foods and salty foods were consumed less in the case group but the consumption of hydrogenated oils was significantly higher in this group (P It seems the decreased consumption of fast foods and the compliance of dietary regimen in order to control the asthma symptoms or attacks resulted in following healthier dietary pattern in patients. Future studies with larger sample size and biochemical assays are suggested.