Can Omega-3s Reduce Inflammation?

Omega-3 fatty acids have been in the science news this week. In this Memo, I’ll take a look at a small study that examined the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on specific markers of inflammation in 21 subjects between 50 and 75 who had elevated levels of inflammation. Researchers had subjects follow a particular regimen: take three grams of either DHA or EPA for 10 weeks, cease all omega-3s for 10 weeks, and then take three grams of the other omega-3.

The study showed both omega-3s were effective; they just worked differently, and I can’t explain that without getting technical. It seemed that DHA reduced specific cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 to a greater degree than did EPA. One of the ways that may have happened was a reduction or replacement of the proinflammatory omega-6 arachidonic acid. The important point is this: however they worked and although they worked in different ways, both DHA and EPA were effective in reducing the inflammatory response in this small study.

Could adding high-DHA fish oil supplements to the diet reduce cytokine production in every case? Specifically, could it potentially have some benefit for the cytokine storm that’s associated with severe cases of COVID-19? We don’t know that yet because that specific research hasn’t been done. But since there are so many other well-documented benefits of omega-3s, make sure you regularly eat fatty fish or take fish oil supplements with DHA and EPA. It’s always a good bet.

What are you prepared to do today?