A trio of supplements—omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin C, and zinc may improve several symptoms associated with asthma. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted by scientists from Tanta University in Egypt found that the three nutrients improved lung function and markers that indicated lung inflammation.
Sixty children with persistent asthma participated in the study. The children, who were an average age of eight, were given alternating phases of supplementation with omega-3 (1000mg), zinc (15mg) and vitamin C (200mg). They took the supplements either singly or in combination for six weeks. Asthma symptoms were measured using the childhood asthma control test (C-ACT). Lung function and pulmonary markers were also measured.
The results showed that the children who took supplements (either singly or a combination of all three nutrients) had a significant improvement in their C-ACT scores—from 16.5 to 22.1.
The researchers noted that both omega-3 and zinc are anti-inflammatories, and vitamin C is an antioxidant.
“Children with moderately persistent bronchial asthma may get benefit from their diet supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamin C,” wrote researchers led by Mohammed Al Biltagi.
In addition, recent research from the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center found that folic acid may lessen the symptoms of asthma and allergies.
Almost 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, and the numbers of people diagnosed with the condition are rising.
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