The Impact of Food Histamine Intake on Asthma Activity: A Pilot Study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the effect of dietary histamine intake on asthma symptoms in children with mild intermittent asthma.
Results Summary
Higher mean air flow obstruction and a trend for prolonged and more severe symptoms were observed during the high-histamine diet period, suggesting diet may impact asthma symptoms.
Population
Twenty-one children with mild intermittent asthma (18 completed the study).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (high- vs. low-histamine diet based on Mediterranean pattern).
Duration
4 weeks per diet period, with a 2-week washout in between.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
high-histamine diet | increase | air flow obstruction | children with mild intermittent asthma | - | Significantly higher mean air flow obstruction was recorded | #1 |
high-histamine diet | increase | asthma symptoms | children with mild intermittent asthma | - | a trend for prolonged and more severe symptoms was observed | #2 |
Asthma is a complex chronic inflammatory disorder. Diet's impact on asthma symptoms is controversial. The objective of this pilot crossover, randomized, two-period study was to examine the effect of dietary histamine intake on asthma symptoms in twenty-one children with mild intermittent asthma. Children were randomly assigned to either a high- or low-histamine diet, based on the Mediterranean pattern, for 4 weeks. After a 2-week washout period, patients crossed to the alternative diet for 4 additional weeks. Asthma symptoms were assessed at baseline and after the completion of each diet period by a clinician. Daily symptoms and peak flow were recorded throughout the intervention. Adherence to the dietary intervention was assessed via analysis of four random 24-h recalls, for each intervention period. Eighteen children completed the study. Significantly higher mean air flow obstruction was recorded and a trend for prolonged and more severe symptoms was observed during the high-histamine period. Diet may have an active and direct impact on asthma symptoms. Food choice is affected and/or may affect symptoms in children with mild asthma. Diet intervention is promising yet challenging, for asthma control.