Mediterranean-Type Diets as a Protective Factor for Asthma and Atopy

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Nutritional Science
• Immunology

Background:

• The global prevalence of atopy and asthma is increasing, particularly in developed and developing nations.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors, including dietary changes and increased processed food consumption, are suspected contributors.
• Existing research on diet's impact on atopy and asthma has yielded inconclusive results due to various confounding factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on the association between Mediterranean diet (MedDi) constituents and atopy/asthma.
• To explore pathophysiological links between MedDi and allergic disease outcomes.
• To identify research pitfalls and methodological challenges in establishing causality.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating the Mediterranean diet and its impact on atopy and asthma.
• Analysis of pathophysiological mechanisms potentially linking dietary patterns to allergic responses.
• Critical evaluation of methodological limitations in existing research.

Main Results:

• The Mediterranean diet (MedDi) is a highly promising dietary pattern for potential protective effects against atopy and asthma.
• While evidence for MedDi's benefits is substantial for overall health, its specific correlation with asthma and atopy incidence/severity remains inconclusive.
• Some Mediterranean populations exhibit lower asthma prevalence, suggesting a potential role for MedDi in prevention.

Conclusions:

• The Mediterranean diet (MedDi) as a whole dietary pattern, rather than isolated nutrients, may be a rational preventive strategy for atopy and asthma.
• Further research is needed to overcome methodological challenges and clarify the causal relationship between MedDi and allergic diseases.
• Investigating the MedDi's role in allergy prevention warrants consideration due to observed lower prevalence in certain populations.