Nutritional Advice El Mondo
Objectives:
The evidence is mixed on the use of long chain omega 3 fatty acids in the prevention and management of childhood asthma. Therefore, this meta-analysis (systematic review) has been conducted.
Does fish consumption reduce risk of childhood asthma?
Study design:
This review article included 23 observational studies on fish intake in association with childhood asthma.
Results and conclusions:
The investigators found in 15/23 studies early introduction of fish (6-9 months) and regular consumption (at least once a week) improved asthma symptoms and reduced risk in children 0-14 years as compared to no fish consumption; 6/23 showed no effect and 2/23 studies suggested adverse effects.
The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 25% [OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.60-0.95] for all fish intake on current asthma in children up to 4.5 years old.
The investigators found a significantly reduced risk of 38% [OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48-0.80] for all fish intake on current wheeze in children up to 4.5 years old.
The investigators found as compared to no fish intake, a significantly reduced risk of 65% [OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18-0.67] for fatty fish intake on asthma in children 8-14 years old.
The investigators concluded that introduction of fish early in life (6-9 months) and regular consumption of all fish (at least once a week) reduces asthma and wheeze in children up to 4.5 years old, while fatty fish intake has beneficial effects in older children (8-14 years). Future well-designed clinical trials are recommended to confirm the promising findings documented in this literature analysis.
Original title:
The role of fish intake on asthma in children: A meta-analysis of observational studies by Papamichael MM, Shrestha SK, [...], Erbas B.
Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29524247
Additional information of El Mondo:
Find more information/studies on chronic diseases and fish consumption right here.