Omega-3 for asthmatic conditions in children
The role of Omega-3s in the treatment of asthma should come as no surprise. In fact, the anti-inflammatory properties of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have long been known.
This Omega-3 intervenes at various levels in the inflammatory cascade that is activated in the airways in asthma. Specifically, EPA reduces the formation of arachidonic acid and certain leukotrienes (molecules involved in inflammation) and, in addition, limits the production of immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody produced during allergic reactions.
Asthma and nutrition, the role of omega-3s
But the first clear demonstrations of the effectiveness of Omega-3s in counteractingpediatric asthma date back to 1996, when researchers at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, Australia, showed that in school-age children, consumption of one serving of fish, an Omega-3-rich food, per week was associated with a lower incidence of asthma symptoms.
More recently these data were confirmed by another research from the same university. Data concerning children diagnosed with asthma at age 8 did, in fact, show that these children had a diet characterized by a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, thus low in the latter.
Asthma in children: omega-3 as a weapon
The benefits observed in the case of a diet rich in Omega-3s can also be obtained by taking dietary supplements containing these fatty acids.
In fact, researchers at Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, have shown that fish oil intake improves symptoms in children suffering from bronchial asthma.
Not only that, the study also found a decrease in respiratory reactivity.
The results described are achievable if young children take 84 mg of EPA and 36 mg of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily for 10 months. These amounts correspond to 17.0-26.8 and 7.3-11.5 mg per kg of body weight, respectively.
Preventing asthma in the belly
In a follow-up study, researchers at the University of Western Australia in Perth, Australia, showed that taking EPA and DHA during pregnancy reduced serum levels of molecules associated with inflammation in infants.
Similar results were obtained by experts at Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia, who enriched the diets of women at risk of delivering asthmatic babies with concentrated fish oil.
Once the babies were born, their diets were also fortified with concentrated fish oil, and at the age of 18 months, their Omega-3 levels were assessed by a blood test.
It was found that higher levels of these fatty acids correlate with fewer respiratory problems and fewer coughing attacks at night. In addition, an increase in Omega-3s corresponds to less need for bronchodilator medication.
From asthma to atopic dermatitis
Studies of Omega-3 administration during gestation have also shown other benefits of these fatty acids for the health of the baby.
Analysis of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis has, in fact, shown that this disorder is also counteracted if the mother provides the baby with adequate amounts of Omega-3 already inside in the belly.
Thus, the potential of Omega-3s in the treatment of asthma and atopic dermatitis in pediatric age is apparent.