Positive Health Online

Abstract

HODGE and colleagues, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia studied in asthmatic children the clinical and biochemical effects of fish oil and increased omega-3 and reduced omega-6 fatty acids .

Background

Methodology

The authors conducted a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial with 39 asthmatic children aged 8-12 years over a 6 month period. The children in the omega-3 group received fish oil capsules plus canola oil and margarine; those in the omega-6 group safflower oil capsules plus sunflower oil and margarine. The authors measured plasma fatty acids, stimulated tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) production, circulating eosinophil numbers and lung function at baseline and following 3 and 6 months of dietary modification. Day and night symptoms, peak flow rates and medication use were recorded for 1 week prior to laboratory visits.

Results

Compared to the omega-6 group, plasma phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids were significantly greater at 3 and 6 months. In the omega-3 group TNFalpha production decreased significantly from baseline; however the magnitude of change between groups was not significant. There were no significant changes in the clinical outcome measures.

Conclusion

Dietary enrichment of omega-3 fatty acids over a 6-month period increased plasma levels of these fatty acids, reduced stimulated tumour necrosis factor alpha production, but did not affect the clinical severity of asthma in children.

References

Hodge L et al. Effect of dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on severity of asthma in children. Eur Respir J 11(2): 361-5. Feb 1998.