A Dutch study has found a possible link between how much fish and whole grains children eat, and their chances of developing asthma. The study looked at the effect of a number of different foods and their potential in preventing asthma. Fruit, vegetables and dairy products were among them. It was only fish and whole grains that were found to have any benefit, however.

The study used a ’semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire’, answered by the parents, and medical tests (as well as more questionnaires) to determine the development of asthma or wheezing.

The results were somewhat at odds with the results of other studies, which found that fruit and vegetables did help prevent asthma. Other studies found links between antioxidants in general, and vitamin C and E in particular, and respiratory health.

This does not disregard the findings of this study. But it does point to the need for follow up, and perhaps more stringent methods of measuring food intake than relying on a questionnaire.