Nutrition and Disease: Atopic Dermatitis
摘要
This chapter critically examines the role of nutrition in the pathogenesis and management of atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease. It explores AD’s complex mechanisms, emphasizing key dietary-influenced risk factors. The impact of carbohydrate quality—focusing on sugars, glycemic index, and dietary fiber—along with the role of animal versus plant proteins in modulating inflammation is widely reviewed. The influence of various lipid profiles, including saturated, trans, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fats, and cholesterol, on AD progression, is also evaluated. Additionally, selected micronutrients such as vitamins C, D, and E and minerals like sodium, calcium, and zinc are reviewed for their importance in AD management. Broader dietary strategies, including antioxidant-rich and elimination/whole-diet approaches, are discussed. The chapter concludes by identifying research gaps and offering guidelines for public health interventions and policies to mitigate AD through targeted nutrition.