allergyResearch appearing in the journal Thorax (2007;62:677-683) studied children in rural Crete and the relationship between asthma and allergy with diet. It was a cross-sectional survey involving 690 children between the ages of 7 and 18. Allergic and respiratory symptoms were determined by a questionnaire filled out by the parents. They were also given skin tests for 10 common airborne allergens. A food frequency questionnaire was given to determine adherence to a Mediterranean diet, using a scale with 12 dietary items.

It was found that 80% of the children ate fresh fruit and 68% ate fresh vegetables at least twice each day. A high grapes, oranges, apples and fresh tomatoes did not seem to lower the incidence of allergy, but did lower the incidence of wheezing and rhinitis. Similarly, consumption of nuts seemed to be associated with less wheezing. Margarine consumption was associated with increased wheezing and allergic rhinitis.