Omega-3 and Asthma
Anyone who struggles with asthma is all too familiar with the breathlessness,
wheezing and coughing brought on by an attack. Since these aversive
symptoms appear to be caused largely by leukotrienes, the search is on for
remedies that will antagonize leukotriene synthesis. Enter another potential use
for marine oil - in one study, large doses brought about the formation of less
aggravating leukotrienes in asthmatics. But Walter C. Pickett, Ph.D., senior
research biochemist at Lederle Laboratories in New York, who was involved in
this research, notes that it is not yet known whether the change in leukotrienes
helps alleviate asthma symptoms. One expert speculates that Eskimos may
have a low incidence of asthma because they have hefty amounts of omega-3
fatty acids in their diets continuously from birth. Possibly, marine oils have an
impact in the early stages of asthma - before asthmatics are sensitized to
substances that bring on attacks. Dr. Pickett agrees it's conceivable that eating
fair amounts of fish starting early in life may influence the later development of
asthma.
-Prevention April 1990
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