Cystic fibrosis, a disease characterized by excess mucus in the lungs, has been linked to essential fatty acid deficiency. Essential fatty acids usage in the form of fish oils may therefore help to alleviate symptoms related to cystic fibrosis.
In Nutrition, Vol 12 No 5, 1996, David P Katz says that "seriously ill cystic fibrosis (CF) patients cannot absorb fats and other nutrients properly and therefore often need infusions of essential fatty acids. These infusions are most often based on linoleic acid as many CF patients have been found to have a deficiency of this omega 6 fatty acid. There is now substantial evidence that long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils can suppress inflammatory processes such as those involved in CF."
A number of studies have also been done to show the effect of fish oil supplementation on cystic fibrosis patients and the general results of these studies is that essential fatty acids usage as provided by fish oils for cystic fibrosis patients has positive effects
In the Lancet, Vol 342, August 21, 1993 R Lawrence and T Sorrell explain research done to test the effects of fish oil supplementation on cystic fibrosis patients. "Half the group received fish oil capsules providing 2.7g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) per day while the other half received identical olive oil capsules as a placebo. After six weeks of treatment the patients receiving EPA coughed up significantly less sputum, were breathing easier (both forced expiatory volume and vital capacity were up) and generally felt better. The Australian researchers believe that the EPA acts by modifying the role of leukotriene B4. Leukotriene B4 is thought to be the main culprit in the excessive inflammatory response to bacteria which characterizes cystic fibrosis."
It is therefore recommended that due to the positive effects of essential fatty acids usage on cystic fibrosis that cystic fibrosis patients consider supplementing their diet with fish oil supplements as well as vitamin E which has antioxidant properties which are beneficial for the functioning of the essential fatty acids. Further supplementation of fatty acids can be done through using fatty fish, walnuts and flax in the diet.
Research has shown that essential fatty acid deficiency may be linked to cystic fibrosis and that essential fatty acid usage in the form of fish oils can be beneficial for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. It is therefore recommended that patients with cystic fibrosis take fish oil supplements and include fatty fish, walnuts and other foods high in essential fatty acids in their diets.
Glossary:
Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic disorder characterized by excess mucus production, coughing and respiratory problems.
Leukotriene B4: a lipid compound that results in inflammation and contributes to allergic reactions.