Research Summary Archives

The prevalence of asthma in the U.S. increased from 7.3 to 8.2% during 2001 to 2009, and now afflicts about 25 million persons, or one in 12. On a global basis, some 193 million adults suffer from asthma. The prevalence is highest in the Americas and among poor U.S. children at 13.5%. Only about one...

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers, the most common cancer among white-skinned individuals. Although the condition carries a very low mortality rate, morbidity and treatment costs can be high. The incidence of these cancers is increasing...

The search for ways to reduce the occurrence of childhood allergies has led to studies on how polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might be involved. The huge increase in the consumption of vegetable oils, which supply large amounts of omega-6 PUFAs, has contributed to the reduced intake of omega-3 P...

One of the advantages of breastfeeding may be a lower risk that the child will develop symptoms of allergic disease. Studies have reported a lower occurrence of asthma in breastfed Canadian, U.S. and Dutch children, but one study reported a higher risk of asthma and wheeze in breastfed children whos...

To evaluate whether long-chain omega-3 fatty acids might improve the occurrence or symptoms of allergic disease in infants at high risk of these conditions, investigators have often provided the omega-3s through the mother’s diet. It is generally believed that the earlier an infant is exposed to the...

The health benefits of regular exercise have been abundantly described, but for some people that is just not enough. Regular exercise—just going for a daily walk—is something you have to work into your daily routine and consider essential. Once you do, a better feeling of wellbeing, improved circula...

Many studies have explored the effects of increased intake of n-3 LC-PUFAs on the occurrence and symptoms of allergic disease, especially in infants at high risk of developing atopy. Most research has examined the outcomes of maternal supplementation with these fatty acids during pregnancy. As descr...

Attempts to determine the cause(s) of the increased prevalence of allergic diseases in Western countries have led to the investigation of how dietary fatty acids and other factors might affect the susceptibility to and severity of allergic diseases, especially in infants and children. In recent deca...

Is breastfeeding linked to the development of infant and childhood allergies? The Canadian Early Childhood Development study reported that infants who were breastfed for more than 3 months were significantly less likely to develop asthma during the preschool years. This study also observed that whee...

The intake of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs (n-3 LC-PUFAs) in most developed countries with low consumption of fish and seafood is well below the amounts recommended for adults and women of childbearing age. For example, in the U.S., adult intakes of n-3 LC-PUFAs are approximately 100 mg/day, with women ...

Thoughts of exercise usually suggest fitness, better health, recovery from injury or surgery, and superior athletic performance. Admittedly, for some the idea is unappealing; but seldom does exercise suggest a “clinical condition,” unless exercise has been specifically prescribed to improve one’s il...

The literature on the relationships between dietary fatty acids and the risk of allergy, especially in infants at high risk of developing eczema, asthma or allergic rhinitis, is fraught with inconsistencies. Omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs have been associated with increased or reduced risk of...