Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

The Association of Maternal Dietary Patterns With Asthma and Wheeze Diagnosis in Canadian Children

Fazle Rabbi1, Pinaz Gulacha2, Lehana Thabane3,4

  • 1Mary Heersink School of Global Health and Social Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.

Nutrition Bulletin
|June 1, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal prenatal diet patterns did not influence childhood asthma or wheeze risk in the CHILD cohort study. Familial history and gestational age were significant predictors of childhood respiratory conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric respiratory health
  • Maternal and child nutrition
  • Epidemiology of chronic diseases

Background:

  • Childhood asthma is a significant public health concern in Canada, affecting over 850,000 children.
  • Prenatal dietary exposures are a suspected factor in the development of childhood asthma.
  • The Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study provides a valuable cohort for investigating these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between maternal prenatal dietary patterns and the risk of asthma and recurrent wheeze in children.
  • To identify key predictors of childhood asthma and wheeze within the CHILD cohort.
  • To differentiate the impact of maternal diet from familial and perinatal factors on respiratory outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Principal component analysis was used to identify three distinct maternal dietary patterns: plant-based, Western, and balanced.
  • Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were employed to assess associations.
  • Analyses adjusted for relevant covariates in a cohort of 2968 mother-child pairs.

Main Results:

  • Maternal asthma, paternal asthma/wheeze, and gestational age were significant predictors of childhood asthma.
  • Maternal wheeze and prior wheeze history predicted recurrent wheeze in children.
  • No statistically significant associations were observed between maternal prenatal dietary patterns (plant-based, Western, balanced) and childhood asthma or wheeze.

Conclusions:

  • Familial history of asthma/wheeze and perinatal factors are strong predictors of childhood respiratory conditions.
  • Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy, as defined in this study, do not appear to influence the risk of asthma or wheeze in early childhood.
  • Further research may be needed to explore other prenatal exposures or more nuanced dietary components.

Keywords:
CHILDchildren's asthmachildren's wheezecohort studymaternal dietnutritional epidemiology

More Related Videos

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma06:34

A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma

Published on: June 4, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma