Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Profile, Mediterranean Diet and Asthma Severity in Childhood Allergic Asthma: Preliminary Findings from a Cohort Study in Spain

<b>Background</b>: Allergic asthma incidence is increasing, probably due to the influence of the Western diet. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDi) and omega-3 fatty acids composition (<i>n</i>-3 PUFAs) may be linked to a lower prevalence and lower severity of childhood asthma; however, the association is inconclusive. This study aims to examine the relationship between adherence to the MedDi, asthma severity, and erythrocyte fatty acid profile in Spanish children with atopic asthma. <b>Methods</b>: This study was based on an ongoing single-center, prospective, cross-sectional cohort study involving 95 consecutively enrolled children from an outpatient tertiary referral center. Of these, 55 had atopic asthma and 40 were age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were collected to analyze the erythrocyte fatty acid content. Participants' demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using validated self-reported outcome measures. Asthma severity and pulmonary function were assessed. <b>Results</b>: Asthmatics presented poorer adherence to the MedDi (<i>p</i> = 0.034) and lower <i>n</i>-3 PUFA levels (<i>p</i> = 0.019). Asthmatics with poor adherence to the MedDi were more likely to be overweight (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and to have moderate-severe asthma (<i>p</i> = 0.049); and lower <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs levels (<i>p</i> = 0.033). Children with mild asthma had higher <i>n</i>-3 PUFAs levels than those with moderate or severe asthma (<i>p</i> = 0.036). <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings highlight that adherence to the MedDi and a high erythrocyte fatty acid profile seem to have a protective effect in childhood asthma. Future well-controlled interventions should focus on the effects of MedDi patterns and <i>n</i>-3 PUFA intake on the primary prevention of childhood asthma.