Healthy Fats Enable People with Asthma to Breathe Easier

The omega-3 fish oils get most of the attention when it comes to natural anti-inflammatory fats, but gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 oil from plants, also has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

In two related studies, Marc E. Surette, PhD, of the University of Moncton, Canada, and colleagues tested a combination of GLA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the key omega-3s.

In the first of the studies, Surette gave two different doses of GLA and EPA, or placebos, daily to 35 people with mild-to-moderate asthma. The GLA and EPA doses were either 750 mg of GLA and 500 mg of EPA or 1,130 mg of GLA and 750 mg of EPA.

After four weeks, people taking the GLA and EPA supplements reported a 54 percent improvement in asthma symptoms and a 54 percent reduced use of inhalant medications. The subjects also had lower blood levels of leukotrienes, a marker of pro-inflammatory activity.

In the second study, Surette gave the GLA and EPA supplements to 65 people without a placebo control for 28 days. He determined that the subjects’ asthma symptoms decreased by an average of 31 percent and their overall quality of life improved by 41 percent.

Reference: Surette ME, Stull D, Lindemann J. "The impact of a medical food containing gammalinolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids on asthma management and the quality of life of adult asthma patients." Current Medical Research and Opinions, 2008; 24:559-567.