Allergies & Fish Oil Benefits

The benefits of fish oil are numerous, because of its high content of omega-3 fatty acids.  Here, we look specifically at the benefit for preventing and treating allergies.  The information is taken from recent clinical and laboratory studies.

Pregnancy & Fish Oil
 
For many years, it has been recognized that omega-3 fatty acids should be present in infant formula, because they are necessary for proper brain and neurological development, among other things.  But, now researchers are trying to learn if increasing omega-3 intake during pregnancy and during infancy can help prevent or reduce the risk of allergies, asthma and other related diseases.

Allergies & Omega-3 Fish Oil

This studies are important because there have been recent increases in allergic disorders, particularly in industrialized societies.  Heredity plays a large role in allergic diseases.  Children whose parents have allergies are more like to have them.  But, these recent increases cannot be explained by genetic factors. 

There are a number of different theories about the cause of the increase.  It has been recognized that breast-fed children are less likely to have food allergies and there is a relationship between development of allergic diseases and the introduction of solid food.  Later seems better.  But, regardless of the cause, are there specific benefits of fish oil supplementation during pregnancy and childhood?  The studies seem to indicate that there are.

The protective barrier in the stomach and digestive system helps protect the body in many ways.  This barrier does not function as effectively in those people with food allergies.  It is more permeable.  A recent study showed that long chain fatty acids, particularly DHA supporting the integrity of the barrier and improved resistance to allergens.

Infants & Fish Oil Benefits

As researchers realize the benefits of fish oil for growing infants, it has also been necessary to see if they are themselves sources of increased allergies.  A recent study concluded that at levels similar to that found in human breast milk they are non-allergenic.

Anti-Inflammatory Fish Oil Benefit

One of the benefits of fish oil that is well known is its anti-inflammatory activity.  Researchers have seen benefit for allergic inflammation of the upper respiratory system.  They have seen that increased omega-3 intake during pregnancy reduced the infant’s risk of asthma and allergies.  But, expectant mothers must choose their supplements carefully.  They should never take cod liver oil, because it contains vitamin A and that can be toxic to the developing baby.

Aspirin Allergy, Eczema & Fish Oil DHA

For adults, increased intake of long chain fatty acids, specifically DHA has benefits for treating aspirin allergy and eczema (an allergic disorder). 
Researchers have found that people with diets that are high in butter, margarine, rapeseed oil, fast food and soft drinks are more likely to have asthma and allergic disorders, while those whose diets include more fish are less likely to have those conditions.

The Wise Health Move - Fish Oil Omega-3/DHA

There are hundreds of studies providing evidence that omega-3 supplementation is beneficial for preventing and relieving a host of diseases.  The typical Western diet is lacking in omega 3 fats, primarily because it is lacking in fish and the most important of the omega-3s is DHA.  Choose your supplement carefully and enjoy the benefits of fish oil, without any risk.