Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, constriction, and bronchospasm.

The symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing and shortness of breath, and it affects around 300 million individuals worldwide. Asthma attacks can occur suddenly, and they can be triggered by various factors, including allergens, pollution, cold air, and exercise.

While there is no cure for asthma, many nutritional ingredients have been found to help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. In this article, we’ll explore one such ingredient: omega-3 fatty acids.

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are essential for human health. They are called “essential” because the body can’t produce them on its own, so we have to get them from our diet.

There are two main types of omega-3 fatty acids that are important for human health: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

What are the sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, and tuna. Plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also available in supplement form, such as fish oil capsules.

How do Omega-3 Fatty Acids help reduce Asthma attacks?

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce airway inflammation in individuals with asthma.

Inflammation is a major factor in the development and worsening of asthma, so reducing inflammation can help improve asthma symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help improve lung function and reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, which is a characteristic of asthma.

Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the production of mucus in the airways, which can help improve breathing in individuals with asthma.

What does the research say?

Several studies have looked at the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on asthma.

A study published in the journal Chest found that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids improved lung function and reduced the need for rescue medications in individuals with asthma. Another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids reduced airway inflammation in individuals with asthma.

A review of 23 studies published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the need for rescue medications and improved lung function in individuals with asthma.

How much Omega-3 Fatty Acids should you consume?

The American Heart Association recommends consuming at least two servings of oily fish per week to get enough omega-3 fatty acids. If you don’t consume enough omega-3 fatty acids through your diet, you can consider taking a supplement.

The recommended daily dose is 1 gram of EPA and DHA combined.

Conclusion

Omega-3 fatty acids are a nutritional ingredient that can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce airway inflammation and improve lung function in individuals with asthma.

While there is no cure for asthma, incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can help manage asthma symptoms and improve overall respiratory health.