Fish oil omega-3s promote healing of pressure sores

Decuption sores: omega-3s can cure them

Taking omega-3-rich fish oil promotes the healing of pressure sores that affect patients forced to spend long periods sitting or lying in the same position. The effect is such that it improves the condition of the wounds by as much as 25 percent and makes it possible to decrease both the pain that those with these injuries have to live with and the risk of possible infection. Discovering this potential of fish oil was a group of Israeli experts coordinated by Pierre Singer, a professor at Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine, whose studies were published in theAmerican Journal of Critical Care.

Sores and ulcers, a problem of oxygen deficiency

Pressure sores and ulcers are a frequent problem for those who, due to illness (especially if severe), have to spend a lot of time standing still in the same position, lying on a bed or sitting. In addition to causing pain, sores and ulcers easily become infected, which is why they must be properly treated. Among the reasons behind their formation are both moisture in the skin and reduced blood flow to the affected area, where tissues become oxygen-deficient.

8 grams of fish oil in 3 weeks

Building on the results of previous studies that had demonstratedfish oil 's ability to increase oxygen levels in the tissues of critically ill patients, Singer and colleagues thought they would test whether this dietary supplement was also useful in promoting healing of pressure sores. To test this potential of an omega-3-rich fish oil do supplement, the team of experts included 40 patients admitted to the intensive care unit who already had ulcers of concern on their bodies in the study. 

Half of the participants were given the classic diet offered by the hospital, while the other half received the same menu supplemented with 8 grams per day of fish oil. Three weeks into the experiment, experts assessed through a specific scale the pain associated with pressure sores, finding that taking the omega-3 supplement reduced pain and discomfort by 20-25%. Not only that, already in the first 14 days the levels of inflammation in the bodies of patients who were taking fish oil decreased significantly, while their immune systems were found to be more efficient. Specifically, Singer and colleagues observed a reduction in blood levels of C-reactive protein, a molecule associated with inflammation, infections (both viral and bacterial), rheumatic diseases, tissue damage, and necrosis, the premature death of cells.

White blood cells and omega 3

According to Singer, the beneficial effect of fish oil may depend on detected changes in the levels of molecules that allow leukocytes, a specific type of white blood cell, to reach the wound. Whatever mechanism is activated, these early results are encouraging in terms of both wound healing and reduced inflammation. To stay up-to-date on the latest news from Omega-3 scientific research, sign up for our newsletter.

Source Theilla M, Schwartz B, Cohen J, Shapiro H, Anbar R, Singer P, "Impact of a nutritional formula enriched in fish oil and micronutrients on pressure ulcers in critical care patients," Am J Crit Care. 2012 Jul;21(4):e102-9