COVID-19 vaccines: Omega 3 supplements helpful against side effects

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained our physical and psychological health, but many have struggled with the proposed vaccines because of possible side effects. Now an all-Italian research reveals that Omega 3 supplements can help reduce some of them.

The study in question was published in the journal Nutrients by a group of researchers from the University of Tor Vergata in Rome and the University of Messina led by Paola Gualtieri and Domenico Trombetta, and specifically found an inverse association between the intake of Omega 3 supplements and the occurrence of side effects at the beginning of the vaccine administration cycle.

Omega 3 and COVID-19

Previously, some studies had already brought to light the existence of an association between the intake of Omega 3 supplements and some aspects of COVID-19.

Specifically, patients with severe symptoms who took 1000 mg of Omega 3 daily for 14 days saw improvement in their kidney function.

In contrast, taking 2,000 mg of Omega 3 daily for 2 weeks was associated with improvement in some disease-associated symptoms (pain and fatigue) and reduction in biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein - CRP - and erythrocyte sedimentation rate - ESR).

The new study on COVID-19 vaccines and dietary supplements

This new study required the 776 participants (all Italians, aged 18 to 86 years) to complete a questionnaire administered between February 8 and June 15, 2022. The required data included information on new coronavirus infection, COVID-19 vaccine administration, and dietary supplement intake.

It emerged that at the beginning of the vaccine cycle the intake of Omega 3 supplements was associated with fewer side effects of the vaccines. More generally, the intake of dietary supplements was beneficial in this respect, with effects being more pronounced at the beginning or end of the vaccine cycle depending on the nutrient in the product considered.

For example, taking mineral supplements was also found to be associated with the reduction of symptoms often complained of at the beginning of the vaccine cycle, just like that of Omega 3 products. In contrast, taking vitamin supplements was found to be associated with reduced side effects at the end of the vaccine cycle.

Why do omega-3s reduce the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?

The respiratory infection that leads to COVID-19 is associated with a very intense inflammatory response that leads to the onset of fever and malfunction of several organs.

The severity of the situation also depends on the inflammation associated withnutrition. In fact, an optimal nutritional status ensures proper regulation of inflammatory and oxidative phenomena through which the immune system fights infections (viral, such as the one underlying COVID-19, but also bacterial).