Investigation of the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and asthma in ADULTS aged 18-65 with biochemical parameters

NOVA is a food classification that classifies foods according to the scope and purpose of food processing rather than nutrients. Asthma is characterized by variable symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and/or cough, and variable expiratory airflow limitation. According to the NOVA food classification system, consumption of ultra-processed foods is at a level to affect asthma symptoms. In this study, the relationship between ultra-processed food consumption and asthma in adults aged 18-65 was investigated with biochemical parameters. The study included 251 (%74,0) women and 88 (%26,0) men between the ages of 18-65 who were diagnosed with asthma between January 2015 and September 2021, were treated with medication for it, had blood tests and post-diagnosis pulmonary function tests. The demographic information of the participants was determined by using the participant information form and the ultra-processed food consumption using the food consumption frequency questionnaire. Data on the biochemical parameters of the participants were obtained from the database of the hospital where the study was conducted. The ultra-processed food consumption of the participants was determined using a food consumption frequency questionnaire. No significant correlation was found between CRP, eosinophil and total IgE values and ultra-processed food consumption (p>0.05). Although there was no significant relationship between % FEV1 expected value and ultra-processed food consumption (p>0.05), it was concluded that %FVC expected and %FEV1/FVC values decreased with increasing ultra-processed food consumption (p<0.05). In this study, the consumption of ultra-processed foods is increasing rapidly and it was concluded that the consumption frequency of these foods negatively affects the prognosis of asthma.