The omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, are healthy unsaturated fats essential for overall health, since they play a role in cardiovascular and brain functions. In addition, research indicates that these omega-3 fatty acids might also improve lung health. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon and halibut, walnuts and olive oil, and are available in supplement form as fish oil and cod liver oil.
Lung Cancer Risk
Researchers from the Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute in Japan studied the relationship between omega-3 rich fish consumption and lung cancer risk. In the study, reported in the August 2003 issue of the journal "Nutrition and Cancer," scientists discovered that those who increased their frequency of fish consumption lowered their risk of developing lung cancer.
Lung Cancer and Mortality
Scientists from the University of Tromsø in Norway determined if supplement use before diagnosis affected survival of lung cancer patients. In the report published in the July 2009 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer," researchers discovered that subjects consuming cod liver oil supplements before being diagnosed with lung cancer lowered their risk of death from lung cancer by 44 percent.
Lung Function During Exercise
Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids might boost lung function during and after exercise, according to a study conducted by researchers from Urmia University in Iran and the University of Tuebingen in Germany. They discovered that non-smoking wrestlers undergoing intense training while supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil for 12 weeks experienced improvements in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second, both indicators of lung function, according to research reported in the March 2010 issue of the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport."
Side Effects and Interactions
Although omega-3 fatty acids might boost lung health, they may produce side effects such as gas, bloating and diarrhea. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids might interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications and cyclosporine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before consuming omega-3 rich foods and supplements.
References
- PubMed.gov: Diet and Lung Cancer Risk from a 14-Year Population-Based Prospective Study in Japan: With Special Reference to Fish Consumption; T. Takezaki et al.; August 2003
- Nutra Ingredients: Supplement Users May Have Better Cancer Survival: Study
- Nutra Ingredients: Omega-3 May Boost Lung Function During Sport
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Member Comments