Using the DASH eating plan to help adults with uncontrolled asthma
The ALOHA trial: Addressing Quality of Life, Clinical Outcomes, and Mechanisms in Uncontrolled Asthma Following the DASH Dietary Pattern
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-11193253
This project teaches adults with uncontrolled asthma to follow the DASH eating plan to see if it improves symptoms, quality of life, and lung health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join a randomized program comparing a DASH-based eating plan to a matched control program over 12 months. The study plans to enroll 320 adults with uncontrolled asthma and includes clinic visits at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. You would receive regular, structured sessions (the control group is matched for number and format) while researchers track symptoms, lung function, medication use, and blood markers of inflammation to understand how diet may help. The project began with a planning year and then moves into the full randomized phase to test whether the DASH approach provides lasting benefits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (age 21 and older) with uncontrolled asthma who are on standard controller medications and willing to follow a dietary program are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with well-controlled asthma, children, or those unable to follow the DASH diet for medical, cultural, or logistical reasons are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce asthma symptoms, improve quality of life, and lower airway inflammation through a healthier diet.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot data showed promising results but no prior trial has been large enough to provide definitive evidence, so this larger randomized trial is testing that promise.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MA, JUN — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: MA, JUN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Airway Disease