Asthma, allergy, mood disorders, and nutrition

Abstract

Background: Growing evidence supports comorbidity of asthma and allergies with mood disorders and various connections between these diseases. It still remains unclear whether this comorbidity is caused by the same pathophysiological factors or whether there are other links between asthma and depression. There is no definite answer to the question of an optimal treatment to deal with both asthma and depression, when they occur simultaneously. Epidemiological and clinical trials on the influence of nutrition on certain diseases suggest the effects of 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in aiding treatment of mood disorders and inflammatory conditions. Objective. This is an overview showing the connections between asthma, allergic disease, and mood disorders, and the influence of nutrition on these conditions. Evidence indicates positive correlations between consumption of PUFAs and mood correction. Several analyses show the connection between diet and asthma. They may form a basis for potential recommending 3 PUFAs as an adjuvant in prevention and treatment of mental disorders, asthma, and allergy. © 2009 I. Holzapfel Publishers.