Positive Health Online

Abstract

SPECTOR and SURETTE, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA, calallergy@dnamail.com, have reviewed the role of dietary fat in the management of asthma.

Background

The role of diet in the management of asthma is reviewed. Evolution of Western diet has contributed to the prevalence of asthma, and dietary modification may reduce the symptoms of asthma.

Methodology

The literature was searched for any relevant articles published in English.

Results

The prevalence of both asthma and obesity which often occur together has increased drastically in recent years. Studies suggest that increased intake of specific nutrients can cause changes in the frequency and severity of asthma. It has also been suggested that the increase in asthma is due to increased exposure to diesel fumes or lack of exposure to infectious agents in childhood, thus generating an immune system biased towards a Th2 response and increased cytokine and leukotriene production. It has been observed that these high levels of inflammatory mediators can be countered by dietary administration of oils containing gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid.

Conclusion

Conclusion: There is evidence that obesity and dietary patterns, especially the intake of dietary fatty acids, contribute to symptoms of asthma. Dietary modification may help patients manage their asthma as well as contribute to their overall health.

References

Spector SL, Surette ME. Diet and asthma: has the role of dietary lipids been overlooked in the management of asthma? Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 90 (4): 371-378, Apr 2003.