By Stephen Daniells

15/12/2005 - A diet rich in omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) could improve lung function for COPD sufferers, reports a study from Japan.

“Nutritional support with an omega-3 PUFA-rich diet decreased serum and sputum levels and improved symptoms [for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)],�?said the researchers from Kagoshima University Hospital.
COPD mainly affects smokers, and is the number five cause of death worldwide. It is characterised by chronic inflammation in the small airways of the lung and leads to excessive mucus production, excessive fibrous connective tissue development (fibrosis), and degradation of proteins (proteolysis). There is no cure.

The two-year Japanese study, published in the journal Chest (vol 128, no 6, pp 3817-3827), followed 64 patients with COPD. The patients were randomly divided into two groups; one received an omega-3 PUFA rich diet, and the other ate a normal diet. Results were quantified in terms of levels of inflammatory markers, exercise capacity, and shortness of breath.

The nutritional support consisted of a mixture of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including lanoleic acid (LA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor for docosahexaenioc acid (DHA) and eicosapentaeoic acid (EPA).

After 15 months, levels of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a marker for inflammation, were significantly lower for the patients receiving the fatty acid enriched diet. Shortness of breath also decreased, while the control group showed no improvement.

“Nutritional support with an omega-3 PUFA-rich diet had anti-inflammatory effects and improved exercise tolerance,�?said the researchers.

The role of the fatty acids is suspected to be complex. The scientists propose that the omega-3 PUFAs affect cellular signalling and gene expression activities. They are also suggested to affect other inflammatory cytokines. A larger study and longer follow-up period should be conducted, said the researchers.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found naturally in foods such as fish, canola oil and walnuts. Previous studies have linked it to improved behaviour in children, reduced loss of brain function in the elderly, and lowered incidence of postnatal depression in mothers.

Earlier research from Indiana University had showed omega-3 supplements could reduce symptoms associated with asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIA).

Omega-3 supplementation of products has been a major growth area in the neutraceutical market. Mintel's Global New Products Database (GNPD) showed a 36 per cent increase in omega-3-containing product launches across Europe in 2005.

From:   http://www.nutraingredients.com/news