Study Reveals Connection Between Food Sensitivities And Cardiovascular Risk
Health News
Published: 13 November 2023 17:11 CET
In a recent study, researchers have unveiled a potential link between food sensitivities, particularly to cow's milk (lactose intolerance), and other common food allergens, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.
The findings, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, draw upon data from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).
Over a decade, the researchers tracked 5,374 participants, with 4,414 from NHANES and 960 from MESA, investigating the impact of food sensitivities on cardiovascular disease. While prior studies have associated certain food allergies with a heightened risk of heart disease, this research marks the first identification of food sensitivities as potential contributors to cardiovascular issues.
Key Insights from the Food Sensitivities Study
- The NHANES study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, involved participants aged 20 and older, testing for IgE antibodies and utilising questionnaires and laboratory tests.
- The MESA study, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, assessed cardiovascular disease risk factors in participants aged 45 to 84, without pre-existing cardiovascular issues. It included evaluating the presence of IgE and its correlation with heart disease.
- IgE measures food sensitivities and allergies to various substances, including cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, shrimp, alpha-gal, dust mite, and timothy grass.
- Over the study period, 285 cardiovascular-related deaths occurred, with sensitivity to at least one food significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality.
- Researchers highlighted cow's milk as having the most significant association, potentially due to its widespread consumption in daily diets.
- The increased risk from food sensitivity was suggested to be comparable to risks associated with smoking, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Exploring the Role of the Gut Microbiome
Scientists are still unravelling the intricate connections between different organ systems and how dysfunction in one might impact another. Recent research on the gut microbiome's influence on heart health suggests that dietary intake interacts with the intestinal microbiota, producing metabolites that could potentially exacerbate cardiac diseases.
Dr. Nicole Weinberg, a cardiologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center, points out that food allergies can trigger inflammatory reactions in the gut, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease. While the study focuses on food sensitivities prompting lower-level inflammation, it raises awareness about the interconnectedness of bodily systems.
Dr. Jeffrey Wilson, a study author and an allergy and immunology expert at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, emphasises that the study examines the presence of IgE antibodies, indicating an immune response to food. While not overt food allergies, these immune responses might cause inflammation over time, leading to issues like heart disease.
Addressing Food Sensitivities
Dr. Weinberg recommends regular monitoring and treatment of symptoms for individuals with food intolerances, emphasising the importance of consulting primary practitioners and specialists. Nutritionists or dietitians may also provide valuable support.
Understanding Food Sensitivities
Differentiating food sensitivity from food allergy is crucial. Allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening, while sensitivities primarily affect the digestive system, causing discomfort but typically not life-threatening.
Symptoms of food intolerance include gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhoea, cramping, and constipation. Common trigger foods include dairy products, gluten, caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes, eggs, strawberries, citrus fruits, wine, and certain food additives and flavour enhancers.
Source: Medical News Today
