Omega-3 Fish Oils, Inflammation, and Asthma

Why was this study done?

Asthma is one of the more common childhood conditions and effects around eight percent of adults. The prevalence has been increasing since the 1980s. This study was designed to help understand the connection between omega 3 supplementation, inflammatory markers, and asthma symptoms.

What did the study find?

Supplementing with omega-3 fish oils, in a two to one (omega 3/omega6) ratio reduced inflammatory markers (leukotrienes) and symptoms in most, but not all, asthmatic participants in the study.

Reduced asthma symptoms with n-3 fatty acid ingestion are related to 5-series leukotriene production.
Authors: Broughton KS, Johnson CS, Pace BK, Liebman M, Kleppinger KM. Am J Clin Nutr. 1997 Apr;65(4):1011-7.
PubMed Citation PMID: 9094887.
PDF Manuscript: Am J Clin Nutr, 1997.