Past studies have suggested that fish oil may have positive health benefits, especially for the heart and blood vessels. A recent study published in the January 2006 issue of Chest, a journal put out by the American College of Chest Physicians, suggests that fish oil may also significantly reduce the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma (EIA for short) too.
Unfortunately, this study—though well-constructed scientifically—only involved 16 people, so it's difficult to draw conclusions from such a small sampling. Still, the results showed that a "fish oil diet" decreased airway inflammation in EIA to the point that EIA could no longer be detected. The participants also used their inhalers less often—31% less often, in fact.
It's also important to note that the levels of fish oil that were consumed were much higher than what you'd find in a fish oil capsule bought at your local drugstore. So getting these results on your own might be difficult.
This study also contradicts results from other similar studies, so clearly, further research is needed. Still, it's encouraging that non-drug therapies are showing promise in the treatment of at least one type of asthma.
