According to a new study published in the journal Allergy, children whose daily diet consists of more than 30% ultra-processed foods (UPF) face a nearly fourfold higher risk of developing asthma during school age.
UPF, or ultra-processed foods, are industrially manufactured products that have lost most of their natural form and contain numerous unhealthy ingredients—sugar, fat, salt, flavorings, preservatives, and more. These foods are created in factories through chemical processes to be tastier, cheaper, and shelf-stable, but they are generally less healthy.
What does the study say?
The study was conducted in Spain as part of the SENDO project and involved approximately 700 children. Scientists monitored children aged 4-5 for an average of 3.4 years. To assess their diets, they used the NOVA system, which categorizes products based on the extent of their processing rather than their nutrient content.
Asthma is a chronic condition that impairs breathing. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors and lifestyle are equally important. The study results showed a clear pattern: the higher the share of processed foods in a child’s diet, the greater the likelihood of an asthma diagnosis.
Interestingly, researchers did not find a similar link to other allergic diseases. Scientists suggest that ultra-processed foods may trigger lung irritation through specific inflammatory processes that are not related to classic allergic reactions.
To ensure maximum accuracy, the analysis accounted for additional factors such as the child’s weight and screen time.
The study’s authors are calling on public health agencies to develop policies that encourage the restriction of processed products in children’s diets. According to them, this strategy could become one of the most vital pathways for asthma prevention.
