Efficacy of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with fatty fish in ameliorating inflammation in paediatric asthma: a randomised controlled trial

Background Childhood asthma is the most common respiratory disorder worldwide, being associated with increased morbidity and a decreased quality of life. Omega‐3 fatty acids have anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulating properties; however, their efficacy in asthma is controversial. The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with a high omega‐3 ‘fatty’ fish intake in Greek asthmatic children. Methods A single‐centred, 6‐month, parallel randomised controlled trial compared the consumption of a Mediterranean diet supplemented with two meals of 150 g of cooked fatty fish weekly (intervention) with the usual diet (control) with respect to pulmonary function in children (aged 5–12 years) with mild asthma. Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry and bronchial inflammation by fractional exhaled nitric oxide analysis. Results Sixty‐four children (52% male, 48% female) successfully completed the trial. Fatty fish intake increased in the intervention group from 17 g day−1 at baseline to 46 g day−1 at 6 months (P