Asthma risk reduced when kids consume nuts, fish

According to a new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, children who consume nuts, fish and other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids every day have reduced risk of developing asthma and rhinitis.

What is asthma and rhinitis?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways.  It can cause recurring episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing.  Asthma affects people of all ages but it most often starts during childhood.  In the United States, more than 25 million people are known to have asthma with about 7 million of these people being children.

Rhinitis is a word meaning “inflammation of the nose.”  This temporary condition is where the nose produces fluid called mucus.  Normally this fluid is thin and clear and it helps to keep dust, debris, and allergens out of the lungs.  Mucus traps particles like dust and pollen as well as bacteria and viruses.  Usually mucus drain down the back of the throat but when the nose becomes irritated, it may produce more mucus that becomes thick and pale yellow.  Causes of rhinitis can be irritants or allergens where cells of the body are reacting to these substances by releasing histamine and other chemicals.  Usually it will clear up in a few days but it can last for weeks to months with exposure to the allergen.

Study on omega-3s and omega-6s effects on asthma and rhinitis

This study from Karolinska Institutet is showing it appears polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are important for reducing the risk of asthma and rhinitis in childhood.  Our body is unable to make on its own either omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids so therefore, we must rely on food sources that contain them such as vegetable oils, nuts, and oily fish. 

The research was done on children since it is during childhood when most allergies are diagnosed.   Approximately 940 children were analyzed as part of the Swedish birth cohort BAMSE. 

During the study, researchers found children whose blood levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids at the age of eight were less likely to have developed asthma or rhinitis by age 16.  Children with high levels of omega-6 fatty acids were also found to be associated with a reduced risk of developing asthma and rhinitis by the age of 16.

Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for good health.  Omega-3s are highly concentrated in the brain playing a crucial role in brain function and cognitive development in young children as well as normal growth and development.  They have also become popular as they may reduce the risk of heart disease along with chronic diseases such as cancer and arthritis.  The best food sources of omega-3s include fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, and halibut, and nuts such as walnuts. 

Benefits of omega-6s include aiding in growth and cell development, improving brain function, metabolism, bone health, and in immune functioning.  Dietary sources of omega-6 fatty acids include poultry, eggs, avocados, nuts, cereals, most vegetable oils like sunflower, soybean, corn, and cottonseed oils, and pumpkin seeds. 

It is recommended starting early in childhood, to introduce children to a wide variety of foods containing both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.