Can high zinc intake lower asthma risk in overweight kids?

In a recent study published in the World Allergy Organization Journal, researchers examined the relationship between asthma occurrence and intake of dietary zinc among children and adolescents overweight and obesity.

Childhood asthma is a significant respiratory issue globally, especially with rising rates among children and adolescents. This problem is compounded by the increasing prevalence of obesity in this age group, which worsens asthma symptoms and hampers treatment effectiveness. Recent studies have examined the impact of nutrients, notably zinc, on asthma management because of its role in regulating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, research has provided inconsistent findings regarding the relationship between asthma and zinc intake.

The study utilized NHANES data spanning four survey cycles from 2011 to 2020 to explore the link between asthma and dietary zinc intake in overweight or obese adolescents and children. Asthma status was determined using participants' self-reported diagnosis history and recent asthma attacks. Dietary zinc intake was assessed through 24-hour dietary recall interviews and divided into quartiles.

The results revealed that 20.9% of the participants were diagnosed with asthma. After controlling for various factors, including demographics and dietary intake, a significant inverse relationship was found between dietary zinc intake and asthma.

The findings suggested that higher dietary zinc intake is associated with a reduced risk of asthma in the obese population, highlighting the potential role of zinc in mitigating asthma risk among children and adolescents. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of considering nutritional factors in asthma management and the need for further research on the therapeutic potential of zinc supplementation.

In conclusion, the cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between dietary zinc intake and asthma prevalence in overweight or obese children and adolescents. By highlighting the potential role of zinc as a modifiable dietary factor in asthma risk mitigation, the study opens avenues for future research and public health initiatives aimed at optimizing pediatric respiratory health.

Reference: Association between dietary zinc intake and asthma in overweight or obese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES. Cheng, C., Lin, J., Zhang, Z., Zhang, L. World Allergy Organization Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100900, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1939455124000310