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Fatty acids can be harmful
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids have always been considered very useful organic compounds, which must be added to the diet. But, as it turned out, they are not useful for everyone - for example, their use is undesirable for children with asthma. This is the conclusion made by researchers led by Professor Emily Brigham, representing Johns Hopkins University.
Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, found in sea fish, soy, seeds and nuts, have always been considered very useful for the human body, as they have the ability to inhibit the activity of inflammatory reactions. Fatty acids from vegetable oils have a complex effect, and in some cases, on the contrary, can potentiate the growth of the inflammatory process. In the United States and many other parts of the world, people adhere to dietary principles that, to put it mildly, do not correspond to the recommendations of health officials. This may mean that their diet contains a relatively small amount of omega-3 with large amounts of omega-6.
Since children diagnosed with asthma are initially prone to inflammatory reactions and respiratory problems, specialists decided to observe whether fatty acids can affect the course of the pathology and the clinical picture taking into account the polluted atmosphere of a large populated area. An experiment was conducted in which 135 young patients aged five to twelve years with asthma took part. About 96% of them were representatives of the African-American population of the United States. Boys and girls were represented approximately equally. All patients were diagnosed with some kind of asthmatic course (from mild to severe).
The specialists collected all the necessary information about the nutritional characteristics of these children, the most common symptoms and medications taken. They also measured the level of pollution of their places of residence with specific solid particles that act as asthma triggers and intensifiers of asthmatic symptoms.
The results of the study showed that increased levels of omega-6 fatty acids in children's diets correlate with high levels of neutrophils. This refers to a type of white blood cell secreted in response to the development of an inflammatory reaction. Since omega-6 cannot directly cause an increase in neutrophils, this process can be explained by excessive air pollution. At the same time, fatty acids stimulate the inflammatory reaction and intensify it.
The results of the study are quite negative, but experts are not yet in a hurry to recommend limiting the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids, since the work was carried out with some restrictions. Experts insist on conducting additional research on this issue.
Full details of the project were published in the American journal Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.