Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Prevent Asthma? Study Reveals The Link
Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and boost heart health. Read here to know what study reveals about the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on asthma risk.
Story Highlights
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your health in several ways. These should be an essential part of your diet and play a role in boosting your overall health including your brain. Omega-3 fatty acids are well known for improving heart health. According to studies, adding enough omega-3 to diet can help reduce the risk of heart disease. These heathy fats can also help fight the symptoms of depression and anxiety. A recent study revealed the link between omega-3 fatty acids and asthma risk. Keep reading to understand the link.
Asthma and omega-3 fatty acids: What is the link?
According a recent study, higher dietary consumption of long chain omega-3 fatty acids during childhood, the risk of developing subsequent asthma reduces in children carrying a common gene variant.
Long chain omega-3 intake from fish was not associated with asthma in the cohort as a whole (4,543 people). However, the team looked in more detail at children with a particular genetic make-up. More than half of the children carried a common variant in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene which is associated with lower levels of long chain omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. In these children, a higher dietary intake of long chain omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a lower risk of asthma. The risk was 51 per cent lower, comparing those in the top quartile of long chain omega-3 intake with those in the bottom quartile.
Asthma can lead to breathing difficulty and coughing
Photo Credit: iStock
There is need of more studies to elaborate whether higher intake is also associated with a lower risk of exacerbations in children who already have asthma.
Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Fatty fishes are considered as the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant based sources of omega-3 fatty acids are - seeds (chia seeds, hemp seeds and flaxseeds), walnuts, Brussels sprouts, soybean oil and edamame. Seek advice from expert before adding supplements to your diet.
(With inputs from ANI)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.