The Positive Effects and Potential Mechanisms of Plant-Based Diet on Improving Children Asthma

Abstract

Past studies have shown that existing treatment options, other than medications, are ineffective in treating asthma in children. However, according to the findings, the influence of children asthma disease can be effectively decreased by using a Mediterranean diet that is similar to a plant-based diet. This paper summarized the positive effects, mechanisms, side effects and application prospects of plant-based diet on children asthma, starting from two perspectives of increasing intake of plant-based foods and controlling intake of dairy products. According to research, plant-based diets have practical positive effects on reducing childhood asthma through the nutrients they contain, antioxidants, and benefits for the gut microbiota, but children are also at risk for rickets, osteoporosis, low blood pressure, and hyponatremia. In terms of application prospects, this diet needs further support from consumers. The limitations of this study are that there is not data to support the effect of reducing red meat in a plant-based diet on children asthma, and there is a lack of statistics on the direct perceptions of child consumers about this dietary pattern. It is believed that in the future, further research on these two limitations can more strongly prove the function of plant-based diet on reducing and preventing children asthma and enhance the future popularity of plant-based diet.