Evaluating the Effects of Omega-3 on Quality of Life in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder chiefly characterized by respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. This study investigates whether omega-3 fatty acid affects quality of life in children with CF.

Materials and Methods: This was a single-blind, pilot study undertaken at the Cystic Fibrosis Center of Sarvar Children Hospital, Mashhad, Iran from March 2009 until September 2009. In this study, 11 patients aged 2-12 yearswere assigned to ingest 3 capsules of fish oil daily for 3 months. Each capsule contained fish oil (1 gr), eicosapentaenoic acid (180 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (120 mg). At the beginning of the study and after the treatment period, questionnaires were used to determine the quality of life of all patients, both totally and separately, in four domains [physical (PH) , emotional (EM), social (SOC) and school functioning (SCH)]. Wilcoxon test compared the scores before and after treatment intervention. p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The difference in total score of the Pediatric Quality Of  Life Inventory TM 4.0 Short Form (PedsQL^TM 4.0 SF15) before and after intervention showed a significant improvement (p = 0.02) in addition to the physical and social domains (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively), but was not significant in the other two domains. 

 Conclusion: Fish oil, as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid could have beneficial effects on improving quality of life in these patients. Other long-term studies including more patients might better clarify omega-3 effects on children with CF.