Inflammation, fish oil reduces C-reactive protein levels by 16%
Omega 3 supplements: with their strong anti-inflammatory action, 16% less on C-reactive protein levels
Regular intake of fish oil counteracts inflammation by reducing levels of C-reactive protein - an immune system molecule produced in large quantities by the liver precisely when inflammation is underway - by 16 percent, acting similarly to what statins, the drugs of choice for keeping cardiovascular risk under control, do. Revealing this is a study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the University of Washington in Seattle, U.S., published in the pages of the American Journal of Epidemiology, which confirms the potential of using this supplement to protect against inflammatory phenomena. According to the authors, this new research involving as many as 9,947 individuals provides further biological explanation for the protective effects against chronic diseases exerted by fish oil, which have been demonstrated by the results of numerous scientific studies.
From fish the weapon against inflammation
The anti-inflammatory action of fish oil is based on some of its key components, the fatty acids omega-3. The latter are considered essential molecules for the body. This means that the human body is unable to synthesize them on its own, but always needs to have at least their precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), available. Unfortunately, however, the body's ability to synthesize from ALA the two Omega-3s it needs (EPA - eicosapentaenoic acid - and DHA - docosahexaenoic acid) is limited. For this reason, the best strategy to ensure adequate levels of these essential fats is to choose sources that contain EPA and DHA as such. These include oily fish and the oil derived from them.
Heart, but not only
Once in the body, omega-3s participate in many different processes. These include the synthesis of molecules that participate in inflammation, for which they are the starting material. Compared with other fats, omega-3s promote the accumulation of molecules that counteract inflammatory processes. It is precisely on this action that some of the protective effects exerted by these fatty acids are based, both in relation to the cardiovascular system and in those of other tissues, such as intestinal tissues. This action of theirs is very interesting from a clinical point of view. The authors of the research pointed out that the high number of diseases with which inflammation is associated, including cancer, constantly drives the search for ways that are as effective as they are safe to counteract it. This is precisely why fish oil is an excellent candidate for the role of inflammation remedy. Indeed, studies to date have shown that in addition to preventing the onset of disease, it is also a safe health product.
Continuous confirmation
The same study also looked at other dietary supplements. Only glucosamine and chondroitin, recommended in cases of osteoarthritis, showed an effect on C-reactive protein levels. Otherwise, the results obtained by the Seattle researchers only confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of fish oil and deepen our understanding of the mechanisms by which Omega-3s protect health.
Source Kantor ED, Lampe JW, Vaughan TL, Peters U, Rehm CD, White E, "Association between use of specialty dietary supplements and C-reactive protein concentrations," Am J Epidemiol. 2012 Dec 1;176(11):1002-13. doi: 10.1093/aje/kws186
