Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids and Lung Function

[Guest guest]

Category: Asthma/Respiratory News

Article 01 Jan 2006

 

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish,

canola oil, and walnuts, can have anti-inflammatory effects and

improve the exercise capacity for patients with chronic obstructive

pulmonary disease (COPD).

 

For two years, Japanese researchers followed 32 patients with COPD on

an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet (treatment group) and 32 patients with

COPD on a non-omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet (nontreatment group).

 

Every three months, dyspnea scores, levels of inflammatory mediators,

and exercise capacity were recorded. Overall, results showed that

dyspnea scores and exercise capacity significantly improved and

inflammatory mediators significantly decreased for patients in the

treatment group, while there was no significant change in the

nontreatment group.

 

Researchers suggest that nutritional support with an omega-3 fatty

acid-rich diet is a safe and practical method for treating COPD. The

study appears in the December issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed

journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.

 

American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP)

3300 Dundee Rd.

Northbrook, IL 60062

United States

www.chestnet.org