Fish and sea products consumption and allergic rhinitis: A multicenter case-control study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The relationship between fish consumption and allergic diseases is not well-defined.
• Previous studies on fish-derived nutrients and allergic rhinitis (AR) have yielded conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between fish-derived nutrients and the incidence of allergic rhinitis (AR).

Main Methods:

• A multicenter case-control study involving 411 AR cases and 477 controls.
• Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
• Stratified analyses were performed based on fish type and macronutrient content.

Main Results:

• High consumption of blue fish (excluding tuna) was associated with significantly lower AR odds (e.g., 2 servings/week: OR = 0.30).
• White fish consumption was linked to increased AR odds (e.g., 3 servings/week: OR = 5.49).
• A high n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ratio correlated with higher AR odds, while high n-3 PUFA intake showed a protective effect.

Conclusions:

• Blue fish intake (excluding tuna) is associated with a reduced risk of allergic rhinitis.
• White fish consumption shows an association with increased odds of developing allergic rhinitis.