Polyunsaturated Fats Contribute to Asthma

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http://www.mercola.com/2001/aug/1/asthma.htmPolyunsaturated Fats Contribute to Asthma Breastfeeding Found to be Protective AlsoToddlers who consume large amounts of margarine and foods fried in vegetable oil may be twice as likely to develop asthma as their peers who eat less of these foods.Diets high in polyunsaturated fat -- found in margarine, vegetable and sunflower oils -- boost levels of omega-6 fatty acids in relation to levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the production of compounds involved in inflammation and may therefore contribute to inflammation of the airways. Omega-3 fatty acids -- found in fish inhibit inflammation.The investigators also found that children who were breast-fed in the first weeks of life had a lower asthma risk. They note that previous studies have also linked breast-feeding with lower asthma risk, possibly because breast milk provides immune factors not present in formula.The authors estimate that a high intake of polyunsaturated fat accounts for 17% of asthma cases in the study, and not breast-feeding can be blamed for 16% of cases.Thorax August, 2001;56:589-595 Dr. Mercola's Comment:Polyunsaturated fats, like omega 6s can clearly contribute to problems in most people as nearly everyone consumes far too many omega 6 fats in their diets. GLA would be an exception to the omega 6 rule, but generally most of us obtain far too many vegetable oils in our diet.Omega 9 fats, like those found in olive oil, are far safer.What are the alternatives?You could eat fish but you will want to be careful here as most fish is so high in mercury that even the federal government advises pregnant women to avoid it as 60,000 kids every year have brain damage from mercury exposure because their moms were eating fish.Inexpensive options would be cod liver oil. I like the Carlson brand as they have a lemon flavored variety that tastes quite good.You could also consume grass fed beef as it is very high in omega threes, far safer than fish and about the same price. We should be making that available on the site next week. Grass fed beef also has CLA which is an enormously helpful fat.As an aside, I suspect that a good portion of the adverse effects of the fats above is also related to the fact that heated omega six fats frequently are converted to trans fat. If you haven't read Dr. Enig's excellent article on Trans Fat below please do to find out why you want to avoid these products.Related Articles:Trans Fatty Acid DangersInfections Protect Babies Against Asthma"Hygeine Hypothesis" of Asthma Return to Table of Contents #242Return to Table of Contents #242Print this PageE-mail to a Friend