Omega-3s May Dramatically Reduce Exercise-Reduced Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma (narrowing of the airways after exercising that makes it difficult to breath) affects 10% of the general population. A recent study suggests that taking omega-3s derived from green-lipped mussels may reduce symptoms of exercise-induced asthma by 59%.

Participants in the study included 20 men and women between the ages of 20 and 24. For three weeks all of the participants followed their regular diet and for the next three weeks half of the group took the omega-3 supplement while the other half took a placebo. For the two weeks following the initial intervention, they went back to their normal diet before switching to the other intervention for three weeks.

The researchers used a eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) challenge at the onset and conclusion of the study and after each treatment period to determine lung function. A 59% improvement in lung function was found. The EVH challenge is used to test for the presence of exercise-induced asthma

Researchers from Indiana University conducted the study. It was published on May 6, 2013, in Respiratory Medicine.

Omega-3s have been linked to a number of health benefits, including alleviating arthritis pain, better moods, improved joint mobility, helping with age related macular degeneration, and aiding your immune system.

Because omega-3 fatty-acids are not found naturally in the human body, it is especially important to make sure that they are a part of your daily diet. Oily, dark fish such as tuna and salmon are high in DHA and EPA omega-3s, while ALA omega-3 fatty-acids are plant derived and can be found in flaxseed oil, vegetable oil, and walnuts.