Fish oil supplements found to have special inflammation-reducing properties
Inflammation is a temporary defense response by the immune system, which can be triggered by toxins, bacteria or damaged cells. However, persisting inflammation can damage healthy tissue and so are controlled by specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). The body makes SPMs by breaking down essential fatty acids, including some omega-3 types; SPMs are also contained in fish oil supplements. Recently, researchers in London, UK, found that enriched fish oil supplements could increase blood levels of SPMs – which leads to better inflammation-reducing properties and an overall beneficial effect on white blood cells.
The team, from the William Harvey Research Institute (WHRI) at Queen Mary University of London, conducted a trial on 22 young volunteers, who were given either a fish oil supplement or a placebo. After 24 hours, blood tests showed that supplementation led to a “time and dose-dependent” increase in blood levels of SPMs and an increase in immune cell attacks against bacteria. In addition, supplementation was observed to “potentially reduce the formation of blood clots.”
Senior study author Professor Jesmond Dalli, of WHRI, remarks that older people and those living with chronic inflammation will undoubtedly have lower levels of SPMs – it is therefore important to tailor formulation or dosing of supplements to their needs. Meanwhile, an earlier 2019 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) study – also a fatty acid contained in fish oil – was found to reduce heart attacks and strokes, especially in high-risk cardiovascular groups. While certain fatty acid supplements could slightly lessen the risk of death following a heart attack, the American Heart Association (AHA) said that supplementation cannot prevent heart disease entirely
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