Processed Food and Atopic Dermatitis: A Pooled Analysis of Three Cross-Sectional Studies in Chinese Adults

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The effect of processed foods on atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults is unclear. This study was to evaluate the association between processed foods and AD in the Chinese adult population. <b>Design:</b> This study included three population-based cross-sectional studies using cluster sampling by villages, institutions, or factories. Participants underwent dermatological examinations by certificated dermatologists and a food frequency questionnaire survey. A spot urine sample was collected to estimate the daily sodium intake. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were presented as the effect size. <b>Setting:</b> Shiyan city of Hubei province, and Huayuan, Shimen, Hengyang, Zhuzhou, and Changsha of Hunan province. <b>Participants:</b> Automobile manufacture workers from Shiyan of Hubei province, and rural residents and civil servants from Hunan. <b>Results:</b> A total of 15,062 participants, including 3,781 rural residents, 5,111 civil servants, and 6,170 workers, completed all evaluations. Compared to those hardly consumed pickles, consumption of pickles 1-3 times per week was significantly associated with AD (aOR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.06-1.70). The intake of processed meats 1-3 times per month (aOR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.05-1.58) and 1-3 times per week (aOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.11-1.87) were associated with AD dose-dependently when compared with those who rarely ate processed meats. Compared with non-consumers, the consumption of any processed foods 1-3 times per week (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.08-1.80) and ≥4 times per week (aOR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.05-1.89) showed increased risks of AD. A positive association of estimated sodium intake with AD was also observed. <b>Conclusion:</b> Intake of processed foods is associated with AD in Chinese adults.