Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may reduce asthma symptoms Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and tightening of the chest. Allergies are known to be a significant trigger of asthma. According to researchers, "Asthma may affect [approximately] 5% of the Western population and is the most common chronic condition of childhood, with between 20% and 25% of all children experiencing wheezing at some point in their lives." Although effective and often necessary during an attack, asthma medications may cause adverse side effects such as hyperactivity or drowsiness. In search of nutritional factors to help prevent asthma attacks, researchers conducted a study on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids. In this two-month study, 26 asthmatic patients were treated with low-dose fish oil (a source of omega-3 fatty acids) supplementation for the first four weeks, followed high-dose fish oil supplementation for four weeks. Researchers conducted laboratory tests and examined respiratory function in all patients prior to treatment and after each four-week treatment period. Results showed that high supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids reduced the formation of leukotrienes—compounds in the body that are associated with an allergic response. Additionally, patients who supplemented their diet with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids demonstrated enhanced respiratory function compared to those who consumed low amounts. K. Broughton and colleagues concluded in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that "These findings raise the possibility that dietary supplementation with marine oils or highly enriched sources of [omega-3 fatty acids] may be another viable treatment modality for asthma." SOURCE: Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65:1011-17. Advanced Nutrition Publications ©2002
More Articles:
Chronic stuffy nose tied to high blood pressure Copyright 1998-2001, Reuters Limited. Reuters content is the intellectual property of Reuters Limited. Any copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters, the Reuters Dotted Logo and the Sphere Logo are registered trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world. | |||||
Printable version of the article 