Jana Ponce, PhD, and Corri Hanson, PhD, are co-investigators on the recently funded grant, “Influence of Omega-3 Status on Asthma Health During Pregnancy,” from the American Lung Association. This 2-year, $95,000 grant is a collaboration with Mount Sinai and Duke University.
Dr. Hanson explains the study in layman’s terms:
Pregnant women with asthma are at higher risk for poor asthma control. This can have have significant consequences for the health of the mother, as well as the growth and development of the baby. There are limited strategies for pregnant women to improve their asthma symptoms; however, a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids may help reduce asthma-associated inflammation during pregnancy. In this project, we will investigate omega 3 fatty acid status among a diverse cohort of pregnant women in collaboration with Mount Sinai, NY, and Duke, NC, and determine if higher omega 3 intake is associated with improved asthma outcomes during pregnancy.