Research appearing in Thorax (2006;61(12):1048–1053) found that a diet rich in whole grains and fish may reduce asthma risk in children. The study involved 598 children between the ages of 8 and 13. Children who consumed high amounts of whole grains had an odds ratio of 0.46 for current asthma and 0.28 for atopic asthma with bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
Fish consumption proved even more beneficial. Children with high fish intake had an odds ratio of 0.34 for current asthma and 0.12 for atopic asthma with bronchial hyperresponsiveness.
The benefit of eating fish may be related to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Similarly, whole grains contain essential fatty acids that are largely absent from refined grains. A study published in Respiratory Medicine (July 14, 2010; e-published ahead of print) compared subjects with asthma and grass pollen allergy to healthy controls. The ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids was significantly lower in asthmatic patients than in healthy controls, as measured in erythrocyte membranes. Symptoms were proportionally worse in patients with the lowest omega-3 levels, who also exhibited higher bronchial reactivity.
These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for patients with asthma. More broadly, diet appears to influence asthma risk and symptom severity. Patients with asthma may benefit from diets high in whole grains, fish, and fresh produce, while minimizing refined foods, additives, and excess sugar.
