Washington, DC - Citing new evidence that the omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood may reduce asthma symptoms in children, the U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) has this simple message for parents: canned tuna is a tasty, kid-friendly way to help reduce the inflammation that triggers asthma.

The latest research comes from the Childhood Asthma Prevention Study in Australia and was recently published in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology (JACI). Involving 616 children at high risk for developing asthma, researchers at the University of Sydney found that those children whose diets were high in omega-3 fatty acids were much less likely to develop a cough, one of the major triggers for asthma attacks. Moreover, the study concluded that increasing the proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet significantly reduced airway inflammation in children as young as age 3.

Although children in the study received tuna fish oil capsules at each meal, the study authors recommend consuming more fatty fish, such as canned tuna, to increase the proportion of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet. Since the human body does not make omega-3 fatty acids on its own, canned tuna, high in lean protein and low in saturated fat, is an easy, tasty way to add omega-3s to any diet.

"This study offers great news to all parents and especially those with children at high risk for asthma," said Joyce Nettleton, D.Sc., R.D., author of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health and a member of the Tuna Nutrition Council, which advises USTF on nutrition and public health matters. "We now have evidence that adding canned tuna and other types of fatty fish to a child's diet may reduce airway inflammation and coughing and is a simple way to keep a growing child healthy and strong."

Besides decreasing asthma symptoms in children, the omega-3 fatty acids found in canned tuna are important for people of all ages, which is why several health organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association now recommend that people eat two to three servings of a variety of fish a week, including canned tuna. According to a number of recent studies, the omega-3 fatty acids found in canned tuna and other types of fish lower the risk of heart disease, reduce the likelihood of blood clots and stroke, may protect against certain cancers, may have a therapeutic effect in some autoimmune diseases, and may help to relieve depression.

More information about canned tuna and its health benefits is available at the USTF Web site, www.tunafacts.com.

Established in 1976, the U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) is the national organization representing the canned tuna processors and the fishermen who supply them and addresses issues ranging from fishing access arrangements to federal and state regulations and domestic marketing.

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