Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have identified a link between omega-3 fatty acids, which people commonly obtain from fish and fish oil supplements, and improved lung health. The findings appeared in a respected medical journal focused on respiratory and critical care medicine, underscoring a potential dietary influence on lung function for adults. The study looked at a broad group of Americans and started with generally healthy participants, many without signs of chronic lung disease. On average, the participants were in their mid-50s, with ages ranging from late 40s to early 70s, and followed for a period long enough to observe meaningful changes in lung performance. The analysis found that higher concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood correlated with slower decline in lung function over time, with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) showing the strongest association. DHA is particularly abundant in oily fish such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, which helped drive the most notable protective effect on the lungs.
To strengthen the observations, researchers also analyzed genetic data from a large European cohort derived from the UK Biobank, which included hundreds of thousands of participants. This genetic analysis linked variants associated with elevated omega-3 fatty acid levels, including DHA, to better measures of lung function, reinforcing the idea that omega-3s may play a role in preserving respiratory health across diverse populations.
Despite these encouraging results, the study has limitations. It focused on healthy adults at the outset, so the applicability to people with chronic lung conditions remains to be fully explored. An ongoing project aims to determine whether increasing omega-3 intake could influence lung outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or related conditions, offering hope for targeted dietary strategies in respiratory care.
Experts note that while much attention has long been given to how diet affects cancer risk and cardiovascular health, the evidence connecting diet to chronic lung disease is still evolving. The current findings contribute to a growing body of work suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids, as part of a balanced diet, may also support lung health and help slow the progression of lung function decline in at-risk adults.
Future research will likely explore optimal intake levels, potential interactions with medications, and whether specific fatty acids within the omega-3 family confer distinct benefits for airway health and inflammation. As scientists refine these insights, clinicians and nutritionists may consider incorporating omega-3 guidance into comprehensive approaches for maintaining respiratory wellness, alongside established strategies such as smoking cessation, air quality management, and physical activity.