A new study from researchers in Egypt and published in the medical journal Acta Paediatrica has found that a combination supplement containing omega 3, vitamin C and zinc may help to improve symptoms of asthma. The trial was a randomised, double blind, placebo-self-controlled crossover trial, which involved 60 children with an average age of 8 with moderate persistent asthma. The children were randomly assigned to alternating phases of supplementation with omega 3 (1000mg oil containing about 30% EPA/DHA), zinc (15mg) and vitamin C (200mg).
Researchers found that this combination of nutrients were associated with improvements in asthma measures, lung function and markers of inflammation in the lungs. They believe that both the anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 and zinc, and the antioxidant capabilities of vitamin C may be responsible for these positive effects. They also said that zinc may work via different mechanisms, including the regulation of T-cell lymphocytes, which are part of the body’s allergy response. Nutri News May 09