Dietary fiber and fatty acids may impact clinical outcomes in pediatric obesity-associated asthma: insights from the SOAP study.

Background and aims: Evidence suggests that diet influences the pathophysiology of asthma, but its role in pediatric obesity-related asthma is unclear. This case-control study aimed to explore the relationships between nutrient intake and the pathophysiology of asthma in children who are overweight or obese. Methods: Participants of the Sphingolipids in Childhood Asthma and Obesity study (100 children aged 6-17 years) were divided into four groups: normal weight with asthma (NW-A, Results: Fatty acids (FAs), including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs, were identified as the most significant contributors to asthma and obesity-associated asthma, followed by several vitamins, fibers, and sugars. The relationships between nutrients and clinical parameters showed different patterns in the NW-A and OO-A groups. In NW-A, intakes of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs, including Conclusion: This study suggests that certain dietary components, such as FAs and fiber, may have different effects on asthma in overweight or obese children compared to normal weight children. Thus, tailored dietary modifications, guided by body mass index, could improve asthma symptoms. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these associations and guide dietary recommendations.