Mussel Omega-3s Help Asthma Sufferers

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.A new study from Indiana University found omega-3 supplementation from the New Zealand green-lipped mussel improved lung function and lessened symptoms in subjects with exercise-induced asthma.

"Not only does it reduce symptoms, which will make you feel better, but it potentially could improve athletic performance," study author Timothy Mickleborough, professor in the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington, said in a statement. "Any time you can reduce medication is good."

In the study, 12 college-aged adults with asthma took either placebo or supplementation of marine lipid fraction of the New Zealand green-lipped mussel (as PCSO-524 from Pharmalink International LTD) for three weeks (Respir Med. 2013 May 6. pii: S0954-6111(13)00139-X.). Researchers measured lung function and inflammation before and after the study, finding a 59-percent increase in lung function in supplemented subjects. The patients also experienced reduced airway inflammation and general asthma symptoms.

Previous clinical research has suggested vitamin D, antioxidants and French maritime tree bark extract help asthma symptoms.