The use of fish oil in bronchial asthma

A fish-oil enriched diet has potential in modulating the humoral and inflammatory components of the allergic response by inhibiting the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid and by reducing the production of PAF-acether. In addition, EPA suppresses the responses of target cells and tissues. Studies in bronchial asthma confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of a fish-oil enriched diet. Dietary supplementation with EPA in subjects with asthma led to changes in leukocyte mediator generation and chemotactic responses. There was also a significant attenuation of the late asthmatic response to inhaled antigen. Further studies are needed to determine the full potential of such diets in effecting changes in the clinical aspects of allergic disease.