EFAs, Vit. C, Zinc Reduce Childhood Asthma

TANTA, Egypt—A study from the Tanta University found a combination supplement of omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamin C and zinc may improve symptoms of childhood asthma. Sixty children with moderate persistent asthma completed the randomly assigned, placebo-self-controlled study (Acta Paediatr. 2009 Apr; 98(4):737-42). A significant decrease of asthma symptoms, improvement lung function and a reduction of inflammation in the lungs occurred with diet supplementation of EFAs (1000 mg of a triglyceridic oil containing about 30 percent EPA/DHA), vitamin C (200 mg) and zinc (15 mg) (p < 0.001). A significant improvement was shown with the combined use of the three supplementations than single use of any one of them (p < 0.001).

Omega-3 and zinc have anti-inflammatory effects and vitamin C is an antioxidant, which may “counteract oxidant stress and reduce the external attacks (bacteria, virus, toxins and xenobiotics) in the lung,” said the researchers. “The antioxidant effect of vitamin C may modulate the development of asthma and the impairment of pulmonary functions.”