Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of lipid. They have gained prominence in the field of nutrition because of some of the helpful effects they have on the body. In addition to their role in preventing heart disease, these fats may be able to help people who have conditions mediated by the immune system, such as exercise-induced asthma.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is marked by trouble breathing, coughing or wheezing during exercise or other physical activity that is not caused by increased oxygen demands. In people with this condition, the physical stress of exercise triggers an inflammatory reaction in the airways which restricts airflow. People who have exercise-induced asthma may also develop asthma in response to other triggers, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Omega-3 and Asthma
The earliest speculation on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on asthma stemmed from the observation that Eskimos have a very low incidence of asthma, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality explains. Eskimos typically eat large quantities of fatty fish as part of their diet, which is significant because fatty fish contain large quantities of omega-3 fatty acids.
Mechanism
The ability of omega-3 fatty acids to ameliorate asthma centers on its effects on inflammation. These fats may be able to reduce inflammation in the body. Their effects have been studied on a number of diseases relating to inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma. By decreasing the body's inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids may be able to help block the physiological changes that trigger these diseases.
Effects
The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on exercise-induced asthma are still being studied, the University of Maryland Medical Center says, because different studies have given conflicting results. Some studies found that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can help improve respiratory function, whereas others found no effect from these chemicals.
Considerations
In light of the inconsistent results from studying the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on asthma, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality says there is no definite conclusion as to whether these lipids can benefit people with exercise-induced asthma. On the other hand, taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements poses no known health risks, so there are no obvious drawbacks to increasing omega-3 fatty acid consumption.
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