Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and the risk of asthma in adults: a cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2007–2012

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between dietary carotenoid intake and asthma using data from a nationally representative sample of US adults.DesignCross-section study.SettingThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012.ParticipantsA total of 13 039 participants aged 20–80 years (current asthma n=1784, non-current asthma n=11 255) were included in this study.Primary and secondary outcome measuresAsthma was defined by self-report questionnaires. Weighted logistic regression analyses and the smooth curve fittings were performed to explore the association between total carotenoid intake, dietary carotenoid subgenera, including (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein with zeaxanthin and lycopene) and the risk of asthma.ResultsThe ORs with 95% CIs of dietary α-carotene, dietary β-carotene, dietary β-cryptoxanthin, total lutein with zeaxanthin, total lycopene, dietary carotenoid and total carotenoid intake for individuals with current asthma after adjusting the confounders in model 3 were 0.80 (0.67 to 0.95), 0.67 (0.57 to 0.79), 0.68 (0.55 to 0.85), 0.77 (0.61 to 0.98), 0.71 (0.57 to 0.87), 0.75 (0.59 to 0.96) and 0.61 (0.48 to 0.76) in the highest versus lowest quartile, respectively. The smooth curve fittings suggested a non-linear relationship between total carotenoid intake and the risk of current asthma.ConclusionsHigher intake of a-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein with zeaxanthin and total carotenoid were associated with lower odds of having current asthma in the US adults. This is a cross-sectional study and no causal relationship can be drawn, so caution is needed to interpret the results.

Bioactive compounds intake in the Brazilian population: Trends and determinants of socioeconomic inequalities between 2008 and 2018

“…Regarding the associations between income level and carotenoid intake, although data are still scarce, similar results were reported. Adults from NHANES [ 32 ] with higher income had greater total carotenoid intake than their counterparts (2.2 and 2.8 μg/ kg per day, respectively), and in the American cohort SELF, β -carotene and lycopene intake was positively associated with household income [ 33 ]. Socioeconomic status was also positively associated with plasma concentrations of lutein/zeaxanthin, lycopene, α - and β -carotene in the Australian cohort DRUID [ 34 ].…”

Associations of serum carotenoids with asthma and mortality in the US adults

“…Participants were classified as having asthma if they met any of the following requirements: 1) previously diagnosed with asthma [ 19 ], 2) using antiasthmatic medication, or 3) taking medications such as selective phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene modifiers, or inhaled corticosteroids, were under 40 years old, and had no history of smoking, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema [ 28 , 29 ]. As of December 31, 2019, mortality is calculated by comparing National Death Index (NDI) records with data from the study population's death certificates to identify those who passed away during the study [ 30 ].…”

“…Carotenoids have been linked to both the growth inhibition and prevention of cancer, eye disorders, and diabetes in numerous studies [ 17 , 18 ]. A cross-sectional study yielded results indicating an association between higher dietary intake of carotenoids and a lower prevalence of asthma among adults [ 19 ]. Moreover, two separate studies conducted on pediatric populations also demonstrated analogous outcomes, further strengthening the observed relationship [ 20 , 21 ].…”

Antioxidant Intake and Biomarkers of Asthma in Relation to Smoking Status—A Review

“…Smokers with low dietary vitamin C (VC) intake had chronic bronchitis symptoms associated with asthma compared with those who had higher intake [ 32 ]. According to quartiles of carotenoid dietary/supplement intake (carotene, lycopene, and lutein with zeaxanthin), the risk of asthma was reported to be lower in the fourth quartile (≥165.59 μg/kg per day) than the first quartile (<41.43 (μg/kg per day) among current smokers, ex-smokers, and nonsmokers with asthma [ 33 ]. One trial revealed no effects of 6 weeks of supplemental vitamin E (VE) on AHR in nonsmokers with asthma [ 34 ].…”