The relationship between prebiotic intake and allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVES: Exploring the relationship between intake of probiotics and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, dietary supplement labels were examined to identify products containing probiotics and prebiotics. Statistical methods were used to analyze the factors influencing the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, and further stratified analysis was conducted to control for confounding factors. RESULTS: The proportion of individuals not consuming probiotics was significantly higher in the allergic rhinitis (AR) group than in those consuming them, suggesting a correlation between probiotics and AR. In the male subgroup with probiotic intake, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 0.28 (0.10–0.75), p = .02, indicating that probiotic intake was a protective factor for AR in the male population. In the probiotic‐intake group, the odds ratio for age < 65 was 0.26 (0.07–0.94), p = .04, and for age ≥ 80 was less than 1 with p < .0001, suggesting that probiotic intake was a protective factor for AR in age < 65 and age ≥ 80 populations, both with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Intake of probiotics is associated with a reduced prevalence of allergic rhinitis, particularly in the male population and individuals aged <65 years and ≥ 80 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.