Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that have been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. A new study from researchers at University of Virginia Health System suggests that people who have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids may also have slower progression of a deadly lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Pulmonary fibrosis causes progressive scarring of the lungs with severe shortness of breath. Without a lung transplant, most patients do not survive longer than five years. Unfortunately, many people with pulmonary fibrosis do not survive long enough to get a transplant. This study suggests that increasing omega-3 fatty acids may slow down the disease.
Pulmonary fibrosis is not a common disease, but it has been increasing over the last 20 years. According to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, there are over 50,000 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States, and about one in 200 people over age 70 may have this disease.
The cause of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. It may occur from an overreaction of the immune system to lung damage from causes like smoking, air pollution, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infections, or inhalation of toxic substances like asbestos or metal dust.
About 75 percent of people with pulmonary fibrosis have a history of smoking. In some cases, genes may be passed down through families that increase the risk of fibrosis. The risk of pulmonary fibrosis increases with age and is higher in men. About 85 percent of cases are diagnosed in people over age 70.
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis start gradually but get rapidly worse after the first year. Symptoms start with shortness of breath during exertion. Over time, breathing becomes more difficult as fibrosis causes the lung to become stiff and unable to expand and fill with air. A dry, persistent cough, chest discomfort, and fatigue are other symptoms. Diagnosis is usually made based on a history and physical exam along with CT imaging scan of the chest.
Treatment includes stopping smoking, using oxygen, getting lung physical therapy (pulmonary rehabilitation), and taking medications that reduce fibrosis. However, lung transplantation is the only cure. Patients diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis are put on a waiting list for a lung transplantation. Pulmonary fibrosis has become the most common reason for lung transplant, overtaking COPD.
In the study, which was published in the American College of Chest Physicians’ journal Chest, blood samples were taken to measure the level of omega-3 fatty acids from over 300 patients diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The blood test is a good measure of how much omega-3 fatty acids have been in the diet over the last three weeks.
Higher levels were associated with better lung function and about a 50 percent increase in transplant-free survival. The researchers caution that more studies are needed, but their findings suggest omega-3 fatty acids could be a way to reduce the risk of pulmonary fibrosis.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats. They are not the same as saturated fats from animal sources that increase your risk of heart disease and increase your bad cholesterol. Omega-3 fats are important for maintaining the walls of your cells and for healthy functioning of your heart, blood vessels, lungs, brain, and eyes. Omega-3 is called an essential nutrient, which means that you cannot make enough on your own, so you need to get these fats from the foods you eat. According to the National Institutes of Health dietary guidelines, an average adult should be consuming about 1 to 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day to get the benefits of reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and age-related macular degeneration, a common eye disease in seniors.
A daily serving of fish is enough to get all the omega-3s you need. You usually hear about cold-water fish, like salmon, mackerel, herring, or sardines, but many fish have omega-3s, including tuna, halibut, trout, bluefish, and striped bass.
If you don’t like fish, there are several other sources, including chia seeds, black walnuts and canola, flaxseed, or soybean oil. Many foods are now fortified with omega-3s, including milk, juice, yogurt, and eggs.
Over-the counter supplements are another option, but they are not as reliable as food sources. Supplements can raise your level too high (above 3 grams) and cause indigestion or nausea. Supplements have been known to interfere with some medications and increase the risk of bleeding for some people.
If you do take a supplement, try storing it in the freezer to reduce the common side effect of fish burps.
Early diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis is essential for survival. If you do not get the right diagnosis in the first year or two, you may not be able to get a life-saving transplant. Be aware of the symptoms and let your doctor know if you have new or unexplained shortness of breath or a dry cough.
Research continues to show that adding more omega-3 fatty acids, either through food or supplements, to your diet is important for health and reducing the risk of many chronic diseases.
