Omega-3 fatty acids like alpha-linlenic acid or docosahexaenoic acid are “healthy fats” that are found in foods like flaxseed, fish, soybeans, and canola oil; they may also be given via dietary supplements like fish oil. Omega-3s play a role in supporting different bodily functions, from lowering blood pressure to reducing the risk of macular degeneration, arterial plaque buildup, or heart attack or stroke. Now researchers are exploring whether omega-3 fatty acids could slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, a condition characterized by the formation of scarring and scar tissue in the lungs.

In Science Daily, the University of Virginia (UVA) Health System shares research performed by some of its team members. The research, published in Chest, set out to understand the association between omega-3 fatty acid levels in blood plasma, pulmonary fibrosis disease progression, and transplant-free survival. In short, could omega-3 fatty acids protect against pulmonary fibrosis in people with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs)?

To begin, the research team looked at anonymized data from 309 individuals with interstitial lung disease. A majority of individuals were male, and a majority also had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This means that the cause of the lung scarring is idiopathic, or unknown. However, doctors believe that people could be genetically predisposed to IPF and develop the condition following a trigger such as metal or wood dust, smoking cigarettes, or viral infections.

After examining the data, the research team determined that:

• Higher omega-3 blood plasma levels correlated with better carbon dioxide exchange.
• Individuals with higher omega-3 blood plasma levels had longer survival rates without needing a lung transplant – regardless of smoking history or cardiovascular disease status.

The findings suggest that heightened omega-3 fatty acid levels could confer protection for people with pulmonary fibrosis – and improve their outcomes. However, it is important to recognize that more studies must be done to determine if these results are replicable, and to better understand the impact of omega-3s on lung function.

The Need-to-Know Information on Pulmonary Fibrosis

Asbestos and coal dust exposure, radiation treatment, certain medications, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or polymyositis may cause pulmonary fibrosis development. People who smoke, are male, are middle-aged, or work in occupations like farming, mining, or construction also have a heightened risk of pulmonary fibrosis. Regardless of the cause, the scarring associated with pulmonary fibrosis makes it harder for the lungs to work as they should. Breathing becomes difficult. Unfortunately, damage causes by this condition cannot be reversed. Certain drugs like pirfenidone or nintedanib could slow the progression. Doctors may also treat patients with pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, or lung transplantation.

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis include progressively worsening shortness of breath, clubbed fingers and toes, unintended weight loss, muscle and joint pain, a dry cough, fatigue, and complications like respiratory failure, high blood pressure in the lungs, pulmonary embolisms, and a collapsed lung.