Utilization of Dietary Supplements in People with the Atopic Triad in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study Using KNHANES (2018–2021)

TL;DR

This study found that using propolis and certain supplements like probiotics or vitamin D is linked to higher odds of atopic conditions like asthma and allergic rhinitis in Korean adults.

Contribution

The study is the first to use national survey data to explore dietary supplement associations with the atopic triad in Korea.

Findings

Propolis use was positively associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Probiotics and vitamin D use were linked to increased odds of allergic rhinitis.

Other supplements showed no significant associations with atopic conditions.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Studies investigating the types of dietary supplements associated with the atopic triad using large-scale data remain limited. We assessed the prevalence of the atopic triad, the types of dietary supplements used, and their associations in Korean adults using a 4-year national survey data. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018–2021). Adults aged ≥ 19 years were included. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ overall characteristics and estimate the national prevalence of the atopic triad, defined as a diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using each atopic condition as a dependent variable, with the types of dietary supplements currently used as independent variables. Covariates included socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, frailty, and diet. Dietary supplements were categorized as multivitamins/minerals, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A/lutein, propolis, omega-3, probiotics, red ginseng, calcium, or iron. Results: A total of 18,182 adults were analyzed, representing an estimated 52.8 million adults (mean age: 47 years; 50% male). Of these, 21% reported a history of any atopic triad, and 61% were current supplement users. Logistic regression showed significantly higher odds of all three atopic conditions among users of propolis (asthma: OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04–3.47; allergic rhinitis: OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.25–2.17; atopic dermatitis: OR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.18–3.52), and higher odds of allergic rhinitis among users of probiotics (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.38) and vitamin D (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.16–1.75). Conclusions: A positive association was found between propolis use and all three atopic conditions. Also, a positive association was found between probiotics or vitamin D use and allergic rhinitis. We did not find significant associations with the other supplements. Further research in establishing causal relationships between the dietary supplements and atopic conditions are needed.

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