Investigating the impact of ultra-processed foods on children's atopic dermatitis

The Potential Role of Compounds Derived From Ultra-processed Foods in the Pathogenesis: the UPAD Project

Observational Federico II University · NCT06996327

This study is trying to see if eating ultra-processed foods makes atopic dermatitis worse in children aged 6 months to 10 years.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages6 Months to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorFederico II University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Naples)
Trial IDNCT06996327 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the potential role of dietary consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the development and exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children aged 6 months to 10 years. It will involve evaluating the dietary habits of both children diagnosed with AD and healthy controls matched for age and sex. The study seeks to understand how UPFs may influence the pathogenesis of AD, which is characterized by chronic inflammation and skin barrier dysfunction. Participants will be recruited from the University of Naples Federico II, where informed consent will be obtained from parents or guardians.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Caucasian children aged 6 months to 10 years with a confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-Caucasian, outside the age range, or have other chronic conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into dietary modifications that may help manage or prevent atopic dermatitis in children.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of diet in atopic dermatitis is being explored, this specific focus on ultra-processed foods is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Caucasian subjects, both sexes, age: ≥6 months and ≤10 years, with a confirmed diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, and healthy controls matched for age and sex without atopic dermatitis;
* Written informed consent obtained from the participants and/or their parents/legal guardians.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-Caucasian ethnicity; age \< 6 or \> 10 years
* Presence of other chronic conditions: hypereosinophilic syndrome, fungal or viral infections, connective tissue disorders, autoimmune diseases, vasculitis, bullous dermatoses (e.g., pemphigus), drug hypersensitivity reactions, graft-versus-host disease, monogenic disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome type 2, Hyper-IgE syndrome)
* Presence of scars, nevi, or unusual skin lesions on both forearms
* Absence of written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Naples

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Atopic Dermatitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.