Inflammation is the body's response to infection and foreign invaders. The inflammatory process normally occurs to protect and repair tissue damaged by injuries, infections and wounds. However, chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells and might increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Evidence suggests that fish oil, which contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, might reduce inflammation in the body. Consult your health-care provider before taking any supplements.
Lowers Prostaglandins
Fish oil might lower inflammation by reducing prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause inflammation in the body, according to a study conducted by Dr. William Smith and colleagues from the University of Michigan. The report, which was presented at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology 2006, revealed that consuming fish oil reduces the effectiveness and production of prostaglandins in the body.
Synthesizes Resolvin D2
Lead author Mauro Perretti and fellow researchers from Queen Mary, University of London and Harvard Medical School investigated the mechanism behind fish oil's ability to reduce inflammation in the body. They found that the omega-3 fatty acid DHA turns into the chemical Resolvin D2, which lowers inflammation in the body. Resolvin D2 increases the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that reduces inflammation in the lining of cells. Scientists reported their findings in the October 2009 issue of the journal "Nature."
A Low-Calorie Diet and Fish Oil
Combining a low-calorie diet with fish oil might significantly reduce inflammation in the body, according to an animal study conducted by Hae Young Chung and colleagues from Pusan National University. Subjects adhered to a low-calorie diet with fish oil or a placebo containing corn oil. The researchers measured markers of inflammation, such as prostaglandins, leukotriene B4 and concentrations of reactive superoxide species, before and after treatment. At the end of the study, which was published in the April 2006 issue of the journal "Life Sciences," scientists observed that the fish oil group experienced decreases in all markers of inflammation compared to those receiving corn oil.
Side Effects and Interactions
Although fish oil has beneficial effects on inflammation, it can also cause side effects, including gas, bloating and diarrhea. Furthermore, since fish oil thins the blood, individuals taking blood thinning medications should consult their health-care provider before taking fish oil.
References
- Science Daily: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid In Fish Oil Linked to Lowering of Prostaglandin
- Science Daily: Why Fish Oils Help With Conditions Like Rheumatoid Arthritis How They Could Help Even More
- Nutra Ingredients: More Fish Oil, Fewer Calories to Reduce Inflammation
- University of Maryland: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
