Our thoughts are based on an overall multi-level approach to reducing inflammation throughout the body but particularly in the gut and lungs. It seems there is alot of variability on "how much" DHA but I figure if he is getting a little from a supplement, a good deal from his diet (keeping the ratio in mind) and staying away from things known to aggravate and inflame, then chances are he is far better off than if we were doing nothing but following the standard CF diet recommendations (which are poor to say the least).
My husband just got this updated Cochrane Report on DHA this week. Thought you might be interested. I am seriously hoping to one day affect a change with regard to how food, supplements and complimentary care techniques are studied, recommended and used in the care of CF children.
_________________________________________________________________
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD002201.
Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oils) for cystic fibrosis.
McKarney C, Everard M, N'diaye T.
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological and other studies suggest that a diet
rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (derived from fish oil) may have
beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for chronic conditions such as
cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is
evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation
reduces morbidity and mortality. To identify any adverse events
associated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation.
SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic
Disorders Group's Trials Register comprising references identified
from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of
relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.
Authors and persons interested in the subject of the review were
contacted.Most recent search: April 2007 SELECTION CRITERIA:
Randomised controlled trials in people with CF comparing omega-3 fatty
acid supplements with placebo.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
authors independently selected the studies for inclusion in the
review, independently extracted data and assessed the methodological
quality of the studies.
MAIN RESULTS: Searches identified seven
studies; three of which, involving 48 participants, were eligible for
inclusion in the review. Two studies compared omega-3 fatty acids to
olive oil controls for a six-week treatment period. One study compared
omega-3 fatty acids in the form of a liquid dietary supplement
containing polyunsaturated fatty acids to a liquid dietary supplement
control for six months. One short-term study (19 participants)
comparing omega-3 to placebo reported a significant improvement in
forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity and
Shwachman score and a reduction in sputum volume in the omega-3 group.
The longer-term study (17 participants) demonstrated a significant
increase in essential fatty acid content in neutrophil membranes in
study participants taking omega-3 supplements compared to placebo,
weighted mean difference 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.46 to 1.34).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found that regular omega-3
supplements may provide some benefits for people with CF with
relatively few adverse effects, although the evidence is insufficient
to draw firm conclusions or to recommend routine use of supplements of
omega-3 fatty acids in people with CF. This review has highlighted the
lack of data for many of the outcomes likely to be meaningful to
people with or making treatment decisions about CF. A large,
long-term, multicentre, randomised controlled study is needed in order
to determine if there is a significant therapeutic effect and to
assess the influence of disease severity, dosage and duration of
treatment. Future researchers should note the need for additional
pancreatic enzymes.
PMID: 17943770 [PubMed - in process]
My husband just got this updated Cochrane Report on DHA this week. Thought you might be interested. I am seriously hoping to one day affect a change with regard to how food, supplements and complimentary care techniques are studied, recommended and used in the care of CF children.
_________________________________________________________________
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD002201.
Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oils) for cystic fibrosis.
McKarney C, Everard M, N'diaye T.
BACKGROUND: Epidemiological and other studies suggest that a diet
rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (derived from fish oil) may have
beneficial anti-inflammatory effects for chronic conditions such as
cystic fibrosis (CF). OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is
evidence that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation
reduces morbidity and mortality. To identify any adverse events
associated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation.
SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic
Disorders Group's Trials Register comprising references identified
from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of
relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.
Authors and persons interested in the subject of the review were
contacted.Most recent search: April 2007 SELECTION CRITERIA:
Randomised controlled trials in people with CF comparing omega-3 fatty
acid supplements with placebo.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two
authors independently selected the studies for inclusion in the
review, independently extracted data and assessed the methodological
quality of the studies.
MAIN RESULTS: Searches identified seven
studies; three of which, involving 48 participants, were eligible for
inclusion in the review. Two studies compared omega-3 fatty acids to
olive oil controls for a six-week treatment period. One study compared
omega-3 fatty acids in the form of a liquid dietary supplement
containing polyunsaturated fatty acids to a liquid dietary supplement
control for six months. One short-term study (19 participants)
comparing omega-3 to placebo reported a significant improvement in
forced expiratory volume in one second, forced vital capacity and
Shwachman score and a reduction in sputum volume in the omega-3 group.
The longer-term study (17 participants) demonstrated a significant
increase in essential fatty acid content in neutrophil membranes in
study participants taking omega-3 supplements compared to placebo,
weighted mean difference 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.46 to 1.34).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review found that regular omega-3
supplements may provide some benefits for people with CF with
relatively few adverse effects, although the evidence is insufficient
to draw firm conclusions or to recommend routine use of supplements of
omega-3 fatty acids in people with CF. This review has highlighted the
lack of data for many of the outcomes likely to be meaningful to
people with or making treatment decisions about CF. A large,
long-term, multicentre, randomised controlled study is needed in order
to determine if there is a significant therapeutic effect and to
assess the influence of disease severity, dosage and duration of
treatment. Future researchers should note the need for additional
pancreatic enzymes.
PMID: 17943770 [PubMed - in process]
