Matthew Mogensen, Southern Utah University
Health
The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) and their possible role in the regulation of asthma are promising for those suffering from the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to the reduction of eicosanoids, which are signaling molecules that regulate the inflammatory response. Inflammation in the respiratory system is one of the most widespread symptoms of asthma and therefore poses the most risk to asthmatic individuals. This two phase study will test the effectiveness of n-3 in individuals with varying severities of asthma. In both stages of this study, a placebo or n-3 in the form of a krill oil capsule containing the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) will be administered, lung volumes and capacities will be measured weekly, and the frequency/severity of asthma attacks will be recorded. Phase one of the study will test whether n-3 reduces asthma symptoms with no activity modifications, while phase two will test whether n-3 is effective in reducing asthma symptoms associated with exercise. The two phases of the study will be separated in order to isolate the duration of n-3 ingestion as a variable in the experiment. As this is an ongoing experiment, results are not yet available. However, if n-3 is effective, we expect to see an increase in lung volume and a decrease in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks in individuals. These results would suggest that n-3 could be an effective and simple treatment that, when taken daily, could reduce the frequency/severity of asthma attacks and help improve quality of life for asthma sufferers.