Eating “oily” fish may prevent nasal allergies

According to a recent article published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, children who eat certain types of fish may be less likely to develop nasal allergies.

Researchers in Sweden studied what children ate at age eight and then monitored whether they developed nasal inflammation due to allergies or colds by age 16. Regular consumption of oily fish like salmon was linked a reduced risk of allergic rhinitis.

At the start of the study, parents and kids completed questionnaires detailing how often the children consumed 98 foods and beverages common in Sweden. For fish, they were asked specifically about oily varieties such as herring, mackerel and salmon, as well as less oily alternatives like codfish, Pollock, pike, tuna and fish fingers. They also asked parents if kids had symptoms of rhinitis and 19% of the children did.

Among the 1,590 children who didn’t have rhinitis symptoms at age eight, 21% of them developed allergic rhinitis and 15% developed non-allergic rhinitis by age 16. Total fish consumption didn’t appear related to the development of rhinitis. Nor did fish fingers, or the less-oily options like tuna and cod. But eating oily fish was linked to a drop in risk of allergic rhinitis by roughly half. It was also tied to lowered risk of non-allergic rhinitis.

While it’s possible that fish consumption may help prevent the development of rhinitis, a healthy diet complete with a variety of items from all food groups may have a similar effect. Fish consumption at eight years old may simply serve as an indicator of high dietary quality. Children who are picky eaters may avoid foods high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fats including fish and seafood, walnuts, spinach and soybeans.

The take home message is one often repeated – eating a healthy, balance diet rich in plant derived foods and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats promotes general health and wellbeing. Fewer fish sticks and more salmon please!

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Schedule your appointment now to see Dr. Michele Henson at Live Oak Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Call (912) 348-4100