[PHNUTR-L] OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS CAN IMPROVE LUNG FUNCTION IN COPD

[Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD]

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News Briefs from the Journal Chest, December 2005

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS CAN IMPROVE LUNG FUNCTION
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/516652/?sc=dwhp

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish, canola 
oil, and walnuts, can have anti-inflammatory effects and improve the 
exercise capacity for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary 
disease (COPD). For two years, Japanese researchers followed 32 patients 
with COPD on an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet (treatment group) and 32 
patients with COPD on a non-omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet (nontreatment 
group). Every three months, dyspnea scores, levels of inflammatory 
mediators, and exercise capacity were recorded. Overall, results showed 
that dyspnea scores and exercise capacity significantly improved and 
inflammatory mediators significantly decreased for patients in the 
treatment group, while there was no significant change in the 
nontreatment group. Researchers suggest that nutritional support with an 
omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet is a safe and practical method for treating 
COPD. The study appears in the December issue of CHEST, the 
peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians.
-- 
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD < fivestar at nutritionucanlivewith.com >
"Ask the Parkinson Dietitian"  http://www.parkinson.org/
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