A massive international study involving more than half a million children ages 4-7 and 13-14 found that frequent fast-food consumption (3 or more times a week) was associated with an increased risk of what the researchers defined as severe asthma, rhinoconjuntivitis, and eczema.(*) Frequent consumption of butter, margarine, and pasta were also associated with an increased risk.
The study was funded with an attempt to shed light on the sharp rise in allergic conditions that has occurred during the past few decades.
The study also reported that milk, fruit, and vegetables -eaten at least 3 times per week- were found to be protective foods that reduced the risk of conditions.
(*) P Ellwood, MI Asher, L Garcia-Marcos, et al., "Do fast foods cause asthma, rhinoconjuntivitis, and eczema? Global findings from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood," Thorax, published online 14 January 2013.