Fish oil contains linolenic acid, which is broken down into the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). When the immune system is activated by infection or injury, inflammation occurs, which can be evident by redness, swelling or pain. EPA and DHA fatty acids found in fish oil can modify the immune system response by decreasing inflammation.
Background
A study in 1980 found that Eskimos in Greenland who consumed significant amounts of fish oil had low incidences of autoimmune diseases. Some autoimmune diseases that are the result of the over activation of the immune system include arthritis, psoriasis and lupus. Dr. Joel Kremer, who specializes in rheumatology, found that at least 12 weeks of a 3-grams-per-day dosage of omega-3 fatty acids resulted in lower rates of rheumatoid arthritis. It is hoped by researchers that intake of fish oil, which modifies the immune system response, could result in decreased use of anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat arthritis.
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Function
By consuming fish oil, it is integrated into the immune cell membrane and "affects the membrane's fluidity and the structure and function of different membrane receptors, transporters, enzymes, and ion channels," according to a review by Waitzberg and Torrinhas titled "Fish Oil Lipid Emulsions and Immune Response: What Clinicians Need to Know." This can change the configuration and roles of leukocytes (white blood cells) by increasing the fluidity of their cell membranes and decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory agents during times of immune system activation.
Effects
Fish oil intake decreases the release of inflammatory molecules from immune cells, if the immune system is activated. These anti-inflammatory effects are thought to help to protect tissue from damage during times of illness, disease or injury. The gut is the first line of defense for the immune system internally; consumption of fatty acids has been shown to improve gut flora, which can decrease the chance of infection.
Considerations
Everybody has a different immune system and a variety of causes can influence immune system responses, including age and chronic diseases. This being said, the intake of fish oil may provide benefits to some while not to others. More experimental research is recommended by Waitzberg and Torrinhas to examine the effects of fish oil on the immune system.
Warning
Speak with your doctor before taking fish oil or any other supplements; make sure your doctor knows about your health history, prescription drug use and over-the-counter drug and supplement use. If you are allergic to fish or soybeans, do not use fish oil. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, tell your doctor before using fish oil. Before you purchase any fish oil supplements, read the label about the source; try to choose a fish oil that is produced from fish body oil instead of the liver. Although products such as cod-liver oil have high amounts of omega-3s, they also have high amounts of vitamin A, which for some people is undesirable. Before purchasing fish oil, speak with your doctor or dietitian about what brands and dosages are right for you or your family.
References
- "Acta Medica Scandinavica"; Epidemiological studies in the Upernavik district, Greenland: incidence of some chronic diseases,1950-74; Kromann, N & Green, A; December/January 1980
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; n-3 fatty acid supplements in rheumatoid arthritis; Kremer, J; January 2000.
- "Nutrition in Clinical Practice"; Fish Oil Lipid Emulsions and Immune Response: What Clinicians Need to Know; Waitzberg, D & Torrinhas, R; August 2009
- "FEMS Microbiology Letters"; The influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids on probiotic growth and adhesion; Kankaanpaa, P., Salminen, S., Isolauri, E, & Lee, Y; January 2001
- Drugs.com: Drugs A to Z: Fish Oil
