How Omega-3s reduce adipose tissue inflammation associated with obesity
Obesity: less inflammation with Omega 3s
The Omega 3 counteract the inflammation of adipose tissue caused byobesity. This is shown by a study from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, whose researchers evaluated the effect of flaxseed oil intake on fat cells in rats. Flaxseeds are rich in Omega-3 ALA, alpha-linolenic acid. The research results were published in the journal Cytokine1.
Obesity and inflammation
Obesity is not only an aesthetic problem. In fact, the consequences ofexcessive fat accumulation also affect organs that are essential for life, especially those of the cardiovascular system. Obesity and overweight are associated with the following factors:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- diabetes
More generally, obesity alters metabolism. The immune system contributes to this phenomenon: in fact, cells can migrate into the adipose tissue, where they promote inflammation. In this situation, adipose tissue cells also stop functioning properly, increasing in size and varying in the amount and type of molecules produced.
Why can Omega-3s be useful?
Several studies have shown that Omega-3s can effectively fight inflammation. Salmon and mackerel (and fatty fish in general) as well as plant products such as flaxseed are rich in these fatty acids. Most research has focused on the benefits of taking the top 2 marine-derived Omega-3s:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
Instead, the authors of this study investigated the potential ofALA, the Omega-3 typical of the plant world.
Flaxseed oil also fights inflammation
Research has shown that enriching the diet of obese rats with flaxseed oil, an ALA-rich supplement, reduced fat cell size and levels of several molecules associated with inflammation. After 8 weeks of continuous ALA intake, the rats' adipocytes were 17 percent smaller than those of obese animals that had not received Omega-3:
- levels of MCP-1, a molecule that "attracts" certain immune system cells, were 5 times lower in adipose tissue;
- levels of IL-10, another substance associated with inflammation, was reduced by 72 percent.
The most striking result, however, concerns TNF-alpha, a molecule crucial in inflammatory processes. In the adipose tissue of rats that had received ALA, its levels were 80% lower than in other rats and similar to those in nonobese animals. Finally, concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha, 2 other molecules associated with inflammation, were reduced by 72 and 80%. This ability to improve adipocyte function suggests that flaxseed oil intake could improve the health of obese individuals.
Source
1. Baranowski M, Enns J, Blewett H, Yakandawala U, Zahradka P, Taylor CG, "Dietary flaxseed oil reduces adipocyte size, adipose monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels and T-cell infiltration in obese, insulin-resistant rats," Cytokine. 2012 May 14.
