Researchers at Michigan State University have reportedly found a connection to the omega-3 with lupus which is an autoimmune disease affecting about 1.5 million people in the U.S.

Lupus is a disease that harms healthy cells with the most common cells being affected being the skin. Brain, kidneys, lungs and other organs also get affected in the process.

There is no cure for lupus and the disease causes unexplained fever, chest pain, painful joints and skin rashes along with headaches. Steroids are mostly used as a remedy for lupus but this MSU study recently has found out that docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, a type of omega-3, an essential fatty acid, prevented lesions from forming on the lungs of mice predisposed to lupus by halting crystalline silica which is a toxic mineral from triggering up the disease.

Crystalline silica is an important mineral found in environment that is closely associated with the detrimental effects of concrete, mortar and cement. Air particles increase the risk of lung cancer risk.

Another study, posted by the National Cancer Institute (NIH) showed that mainly a substance called quartz dust is created when manual masonry tools are used to cut out concrete or brick. Breathing in silica in any form contained in cleansers, litter of pets, caulk, spray paints and talcum powder can also be dangerous and can harm the health of the individual using them. The study said, "The strongest link between human lung cancer and exposure to respirable crystalline silica has been seen in studies of quarry and granite workers and workers involved in ceramic, pottery, refractory brick, and certain earth industries."

There are regulations and rules put up by the Mine Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) specifically related to silica exposure since it can penetrate deep into the lungs and enhances the cancer related risk.

The MHA study reported, “Ninety-six percent of the lung lesions were stopped with DHA after being triggered by the silica. I've never seen such a dramatic protective response in the lung before … Our next step is to figure out exactly what's happening."

According to Pestka, talking on the effectiveness of DHA in humans, "While it should be emphasized that that our study was performed in the mouse, a 'preclinical' model, we believe our research provides new insight into how omega-3s could block environmental triggering of other autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. For example, occupational exposure to silica has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Consumption of omega-3s has been shown to benefit persons with RA."

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended taking in 250 milligrams of EPA plus DHA, no more than 5 grams per day.

References:

Mercola.com

 Michigan State University September 29, 2016

PLOS One August 11, 2016

Medical News Today September 30, 2016

Nutra Ingredients October 4, 2016

Lupus Foundation of America 2016