The effect of OMEGA-3 and OMEGA-6 fatty acids on allergic and asthmatic patients – A cross-sectional analysis

  • Ayesha Aslam The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Nida Javaid The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Musammat Manzoor The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Iqra Waheed The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Mariam Fatima The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Eman Rashid The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Wajeeha Arooj The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Quratulain Shahid The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Ahood Khalid The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Tanzeel Shahid The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
  • Zoya Abid The University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Keywords: OMEGA-3 fatty acids, OMEGA-6 fatty acids, asthma, allergies, supplementation

Abstract

Allergy is an abnormally extended and evolved sensitivity to specific substances, whereas asthma is constriction of the airways of the lungs due to swelling of internal walls of the airways. Dietary consumption of omega-3 and omega-6 supplementation may help in the prevention of allergies and asthma. The objective of this investigation was to assess the effectiveness of omega 3 and 6 supplementation on patients who were suffering from asthma or any allergy. A cross-sectional study on 100 patients with asthma and different types of allergies was conducted at different hospitals in Lahore. They were given a questionnaire to accumulate input about their dietary practices, understanding, and awareness. Data was analyzed by using SPSS 22.0. Results showed that 40% of patients had mild improvement in symptoms, 28% exhibited good responses, and 32% had no progress in their symptoms at all. About 27% of patients took omega 3 and 6 supplementations weekly, while 36% used to take them daily, and 37% never took the supplementation. It was concluded that most of those patients who took the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supplementations showed mild improvement as compared to those who were not taking supplements. People taking omega 3 and 6 food sources such as fish, nuts, legumes, and meat faced fewer symptoms.

Published
2023-12-31