The Relation Between Yogurt Consumption and Prevalence of Atopic Diseases

It seems that yogurt can direct immune system responses toward cell-mediated immune response, Th1, and makes a relative tolerance to environmental allergies. These two factors together can reduce the prevalence of atopic diseases. This study was done to determine the relation between yogurt consumption and atopic disease in the people of Sanandaj who consume yogurt as a main food. This study was descriptive analytic and statistical population included 3500 men aged 16 to 25 years. Data was gathered by questionnaire, physical examination and history taking. There was a significant reduction in the prevalence of chronic rhinitis and conjunctivitis (P<0.105), but not seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis (P<0.057), in those who consumed yogurt. The prevalence of allergic asthma (P<0.015) and atopic dermatitis (P<0.036) was also lower. No relation was found between yogurt consumption and other atopic diseases. This study showed that the prevalence of rhinitis, chronic conjunctivitis and dermatitis was less common among the residents of Sanandaj who consumed yogurt as breakfast. Seasonal Asthma was also lower in those who used a lot of yogurt.