Meta-analysis affirms association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and lower markers of inflammation. The results of a meta-analysis published on February 5, 2014 in the journal PLoS One contribute further evidence to an anti-inflammatory benefit for supplementation with marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Researchers in Hangzhou, China selected 68 randomized, controlled trials that examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in a total of 4601 participants. Two of the trials involved subjects with chronic autoimmune disease, 48 studies involved those with chronic non-autoimmune diseases (being at risk of or diagnosed with cardiovascular disease), one trial involved patients with autoimmune disease as well as those with non-autoimmune chronic diseases, and 17 involved healthy men and women. Forty-four of the studies involving chronic non-autoimmune disease patients used omega-3 fatty acid supplements and the remainder involved dietary intake of fish. All of the studies involving autoimmune disease patients or healthy participants utilized omega-3 supplements. A pooled analysis of all subjects confirmed a significant association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and decreased blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) which are markers of inflammation. Among those with chronic non-autoimmune disease, a greater reduction in blood levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a, another marker of inflammation) was observed in association with a longer duration of supplementation. A similar relationship was observed for IL-6 among healthy participants. The benefit for omega-3 fatty acids among those with chronic non-autoimmune disease was greater for those who were non-obese. When studies that utilized fish as a source of omega-3 fatty acids were separately analyzed, an association was found for a decrease in interleukin-6 with increased intake, but unlike fish oil supplements, fish alone did not decrease CRP or TNF. Our findings provide a scientific guide for nutritional therapy of inflammation-related chronic diseases, authors Kelei Li and colleagues conclude. Consecutive long-term supplementation of marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is recommended. Our present studies also suggest that marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation can effectively prevent inflammation-related chronic diseases considering its significant lowering effect on CRP, IL-6 and TNF-a in healthy subjects. iherb/new-chapter-wholemega-whole-fish-oil-extra-virgin-wild-alaskan-salmon-1000-mg-120-softgels/18201?rcode=jms847
Posted on: Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:13:23 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015