We all know the basics by now: too much junk food, too much salt and too much fat isn’t great for our kids. But research has gone further, suggesting a link between what children eat and the development of certain childhood illnesses. Here’s a look at what the research found, what it means for asthma and eczema, and some realistic ways to shift your child’s diet without turning treats into a battleground.
Giving our kids a good, varied and nutritious diet is something every parent wants, both to give them the best start and to help their bodies fight off the common bugs and viruses that come their way. Treats are a normal part of childhood and there’s no need to feel guilty about them — but it’s worth knowing that some research points to junk food playing a role in more than just the occasional sniffle.
Study into eating habits
A large-scale study carried out by scientists at Auckland University in New Zealand looked at the eating habits of children up to the age of fourteen. The research covered more than fifty countries, including the UK and Ireland, with over five hundred thousand children taking part.
- Children who ate junk food three or more times a week were found to have an almost forty percent higher chance of developing asthma than those who didn’t. Younger children in the study were around thirty percent more likely to be affected.
- Children eating more junk food were also more likely to experience eczema, a painful skin condition, or rhino-conjunctivitis (an allergic reaction affecting the eyes and nose).
- Researchers asked children about their usual diet — how much fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and carbohydrates they ate, alongside how much junk food they typically had. They then asked whether the children had noticed any allergy symptoms or felt unwell after eating particular foods.
- The scientists estimated that simply cutting back on junk food and adding around three extra portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a week could help. Their figures suggested roughly fourteen percent of younger children and eleven percent of older teens might see an improvement in these conditions as a result.
Related: How Much Sugar Are We Really Consuming? and Eats, Treats & Labels
Asthma and eczema in Ireland
Asthma and eczema remain common conditions among children in Ireland, and allergic asthma — where symptoms like coughing, wheezing or breathlessness are triggered by contact with allergens — is the most common form. Triggers can include dust and airborne pollutants as well as certain foods.
Eczema is also widespread among children in Ireland, and as with asthma, many cases go undiagnosed. Common food triggers linked to eczema include eggs, wheat and cow’s milk — all generally healthy foods in their own right, but ones that also turn up frequently in processed ready meals and junk food.
What can parents do to help?
It’s worth remembering that the occasional chocolate bar or burger and chips won’t do any harm, and treats are absolutely fine as part of a balanced diet. If you’re concerned, or you have a fussy eater who’s reluctant to try healthier options, here are a few ideas that can help.
#1. Keep healthier snacks handy
Think about what your kids reach for between meals. Small swaps can make a big difference:
- Swap sweets for dried tropical fruit — still sweet, but more filling.
- Swap crisps for a piece of cheddar cheese and crackers.
- Offer small pots of fromage frais, or fruit like grapes or apple slices, as an easy grab-and-go option.
#2. Don’t ban junk food outright
Banning junk food completely tends to make it more appealing, not less. Instead, treat it as something for special occasions — a birthday party, a meal out — rather than a household staple. Kids are also far more likely to try healthier food if they see you eating and enjoying it too.
#3. Make your own versions of junk food
If your child is still resistant, try recreating their favourites in a healthier way at home, and get them involved in both the shopping and the cooking where you can.
- Make homemade burgers by combining lean mince with a little chopped onion, shaping into patties, and cooking in the oven or frying in a small amount of olive oil. Try Clodagh McKenna’s Mini Burgers recipe for inspiration.
- Make your own potato wedges by cutting potatoes into thick chunks and oven-cooking with a little oil and seasoning.
Frequently asked questions
Does junk food actually cause asthma or eczema?
Research suggests a link between a diet high in junk food and a higher likelihood of developing asthma, eczema and rhino-conjunctivitis in children, but this doesn’t mean junk food is the sole cause. These are complex conditions influenced by genetics, environment and other factors alongside diet.
How much junk food is “too much”?
The research highlighted a noticeable difference in children eating junk food three or more times a week compared to those eating it less often. Treating junk food as an occasional extra, rather than a regular part of meals or snacks, is a reasonable approach for most families.
Will cutting back on junk food improve my child’s symptoms?
Some research suggests that reducing junk food and adding more fresh fruit and vegetables may help ease symptoms for some children, but this varies from child to child. If you’re concerned about your child’s asthma or eczema, a GP or healthcare professional is the right person to advise on managing their specific condition.
What are good junk food swaps for kids?
Simple swaps — dried fruit instead of sweets, cheese and crackers instead of crisps, homemade burgers or potato wedges instead of takeaway versions — let kids enjoy familiar flavours with better nutrition.
Related articles
- Tips to Ensure Fussy Eaters Get Their 5-a-Day
- Top Tips for Fussy Eaters
- How Much Sugar Are We Really Consuming?
- Eats, Treats & Labels
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