Hay fever and asthma, cold-like symptoms and rashes all fall under the collective designation of allergies. Allergies range from being merely uncomfortable to strongly affecting quality of life. Because allergy symptoms are so common in the general population, symptom relief medications and substances abound. Among the substances under investigation to relieve allergy symptoms is fish oil, which is known to contain large quantities of potentially anti-inflammatory molecules.
Allergies
Allergies are heightened immune system responses to triggers known collectively as allergens. According to the Mayo Clinic, "An allergy starts when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader." The immune system then releases a number of inflammatory chemicals, including leukotrienes and prostaglandins, which are responsible for swelling and rashes, runny nose and itchy eyes.
Fish Oil Features
Omega-3 fatty acids are organic molecules composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen. They are a major component of the fat content of some foods, particularly plant oils, nuts and cold water fish. Fish oil in particular interests researchers because it contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH notes, "There is evidence from multiple studies supporting intake of recommended amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of dietary fish or fish oil supplements."
Chemistry
According to researchers T. Mickleborough and K. Rundell in "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition," EPA and DHA inhibit the production of inflammatory molecules. In particular, they note that fish oil fatty acids can inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, which are also inhibited by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, meaning that fish oil functions a bit like an NSAID on the cellular level but without the liver toxicity that is associated with some NSAID compounds.
Fish Oil Benefits
Fish oil also appears to be associated with inhibition of production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, the molecules that cause allergy symptoms. In a paper on allergy-induced bronchospasm, researchers T. Mickleborough and K. Rundell note, "...findings are provocative and suggest that dietary fish oil supplementation may be a viable treatment modality and/or adjunct therapy..." They further note that fish oil supplementation relieved symptoms and reduced medication usage in participants in a study.
Usage
Mickleborough and Rundell note that studies have shown positive effects of fish oil components at dosages of 84 mg EPA and 36 mg DHA per day. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week to consume natural fish oil. According to the NIH, the World Health Organization recommends consuming 0.3 to 0.5 grams of EPA plus DHA each day.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Allergies
- NIH: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in asthma- and exercise-induced bronchospasm; T. D. Mickleborough, K. W. Rundell; 2005.
- American Heart Association: Fish Consumption
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