Is Dairy a Trigger for Asthma?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

The evidence from multiple studies suggests that dairy products, particularly raw and unprocessed milk, do not act as triggers for asthma. Instead, they may offer protective benefits against the development and exacerbation of asthma. The protective effects are likely due to specific components in raw milk, such as whey proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is essential to consider individual variations and potential allergies when evaluating the impact of dairy on asthma.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. The role of diet, particularly dairy consumption, in influencing asthma symptoms has been a topic of considerable debate. This article explores whether dairy products act as a trigger for asthma, drawing on findings from multiple research studies.

Dairy Products and Bronchoconstriction

A study aimed to determine if dairy products induce bronchoconstriction in adults with asthma found no significant evidence to support this hypothesis. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 20 asthmatic subjects revealed no statistically significant differences in lung function (FEV1 and PEF) between those who consumed dairy and those who did not, regardless of their perception of dairy as a trigger1.

Protective Effects of Raw Milk

Contrary to the belief that dairy might exacerbate asthma, several studies have highlighted the protective effects of raw milk consumption. A meta-analysis demonstrated that early-life consumption of raw cow’s milk is associated with a lower prevalence of asthma, wheezing, hay fever, and atopic sensitization2. Similarly, the GABRIELA study found that raw milk consumption was inversely associated with asthma, atopy, and hay fever, suggesting that certain components in raw milk, such as whey proteins, might confer these protective effects3.

Farm Milk and Asthma Prevention

Living on a farm and consuming unprocessed cow’s milk has been repeatedly shown to protect against asthma and allergies. The PASTURE study, which followed children from birth to age six, found that continuous consumption of unprocessed farm milk reduced the risk of asthma, partially due to higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the milk7. This protective effect was also observed in children not living on farms, indicating that the benefits of farm milk consumption are not solely due to other farm-related exposures2 3.

Dairy Consumption and Pulmonary Function

An analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that regular milk consumption was associated with better pulmonary function in both the general population and individuals with asthma. Specifically, the study noted significant associations between milk consumption and improved FVC and FEV1 percentages5. This suggests that dairy products might have a beneficial role in maintaining lung function.

Dietary Patterns and Asthma Risk

A community-based study in Melbourne examined the dietary patterns of young adults and their association with asthma. The study found that whole milk consumption was protective against various asthma definitions, including current asthma, doctor-diagnosed asthma, and bronchial hyperreactivity. Conversely, soy beverage consumption was associated with an increased risk of asthma8. Another study in pre-school children reported that daily consumption of full cream milk and butter was associated with a reduced risk of asthma symptoms9.

Is dairy a trigger for asthma?

Tsveta Malinova has answered Extremely Unlikely

An expert from University of Amsterdam in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Immunopathology, Cardiovascular Disease, Cell Biology, Biology, Biophysics, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Microbiome

There is no scientific evidence for dairy causing asthma.

As a matter of fact, studies have been done to specifically check for the effects of dairy on asthma. These studies conclude that consuming dairy does not affect asthma negatively at all.

If you want to read more on the topic see the scientific papers below:

• Woods, Rosalie K., et al. “Do dairy products induce bronchoconstriction in adults with asthma?.” Journal of allergy and clinical immunology 101.1 (1998): 45-50.
• Tabak, Cora, et al. “Diet and asthma in Dutch school children (ISAAC-2).” Thorax 61.12 (2006): 1048-1053.
• Hallit, Souheil, et al. “Correlation of types of food and asthma diagnosis in childhood: A case–control study.” Journal of Asthma 55.9 (2018): 966-974.