Most adults with asthma get diagnosed in childhood. Around one in eleven children (1.1 million) are currently being treated for asthma. Expenditure for the treatment and caring for people with asthma comes up to around £1 billion.
Senior author Professor Seif Shaheen says "Asthma is the most common chronic condition in childhood, and we currently don't know how to prevent it."
She explains that a poor diet may increase the risk of developing asthma. While previous studies only conducted short term studies, this research team measured children's diet and then followed up with them over many years to see who developed asthma and who didn't.
She adds "While we cannot say for certain that eating more fish will prevent asthma in children, based on our findings, it would nevertheless be sensible for children in the UK to consume more fish, as only a few currently achieve recommended intake."
Fish is a rich source of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all with anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers used data of mothers pregnant in the early 1990s. The team has been following up with their children since then. They analyzed the association between intake of EPA and DHA from fish at seven years of age, using food frequency questionnaires, and incidence of new cases of doctor-diagnosed asthma at 11-14 years of age.
In the group as a whole (4,543 people), long-chain omega-3 intake from fish was not associated with asthma. However, in more than half of the children carrying a common variant in the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene, higher dietary intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a lower risk (51%) of asthma. FADS is associated with lower levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in the blood.
These results were also found in a Swedish Study.
The researchers state that they cannot ascertain that a higher intake of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in childhood can prevent asthma development as only an observable association was found.
Source-Medindia
Advantages of Eating Fish Foods - Health Benefits
Researchers worldwide have discovered that eating fish regularly is good for health. Regular consumption of fish may reduce the risk of diseases such as asthma, prostate cancer and eyesight.
Researchers worldwide have discovered that eating fish regularly is good for health. Regular consumption of fish may reduce the risk of diseases such as asthma, prostate cancer and eyesight.
Health Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids | Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Our body derives omega 3 fatty acids from the food we eat. Here’s a list of foods rich in omega 3s and how they help in the various body functions and protect our health.
Our body derives omega 3 fatty acids from the food we eat. Here’s a list of foods rich in omega 3s and how they help in the various body functions and protect our health.
