Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Children to Prevent Asthma: Is It Worthy?—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases affecting all age groups. The world is now trying to identify some dietary factors which can play a preventive role. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs to assess the effect of intake of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in infancy and/or childhood on incidence of asthma or wheezing episodes. We searched MEDLINE, EBSCO, Trip, and Google Scholar up to January 31, 2015. All RCTs where infants or children who were given omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and which reported incidence of asthma and/or wheezing episodes as dichotomous outcomes were included in this review. Random effects model was used for pooling the risk estimates. Total five articles were included. Most of them were from Australia. On meta-analysis, the pooled estimate of odds ratios by random effects model showed no significant change in incidence of asthma after supplementation of omega-3 FA in infancy or childhood (OR 0.974; CI 0.646, 1.469; p = 0.900). We concluded that a multicentric RCT is required to assess the effect of omega-3 FA supplementation exclusively to infants or children to predict the best time of omega-3 FA supplementation to prevent asthmatic or wheezing episodes later in life.

Introduction of fish and other foods during infancy and risk of asthma in the All Babies In Southeast Sweden cohort study

“…The high content of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids has been suggested to be involved in mechanisms behind the protection from fish against atopic disease. A recent meta-analysis including 5 randomized controlled trials did however not find any significant associations between omega-3 supplementation, starting in infancy, and the risk of asthma [ 15 ]. This indicates that there are probably other nutrients that are involved in the protection from early fish introduction.…”

The role of fish intake on asthma in children: A meta‐analysis of observational studies

“…Fatty fish as compared to lean fish is a rich source of Omega‐3 fatty acids which are able to counteract the action of Omega‐6 fatty acids metabolites by downregulating pro‐inflammatory and immunological pathways, thereby preventing asthma development . Another possible explanation why fish consumption reduced asthma risk in children as compared to null effects reported from fish oil supplementation during childhood is that regular fish consumption may be a proxy for other healthy lifestyle habits that might promote the beneficial effect. In addition, fresh fish might have better bioavailability and absorption rate as opposed to fish oil.…”

Risk and Protective Factors for Childhood Asthma: What Is the Evidence?

“…Muley et al 24 conducted a meta-analysis of five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of omega-3 fatty acids (for up to 12 months) to prevent asthma, including 1,932 children who were randomized, had available outcomes, and were followed for an average of 3.5 years (range 0.5-8 years). In that analysis, there was no significant association between dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and asthma.…”