The body releases chemicals and molecules to produce inflammation in response to a foreign invader or damaged tissue. Chronic inflammation, also known as silent inflammation, has no symptoms and puts the body in a constant inflammatory state, which can damage healthy cells and increase the risk for disease and illness. Fish oil has docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, omega-3 fatty acids that are effective for reducing silent inflammation in the body.
GPR120
Macrophages are white blood cells that engulf foreign invaders and signal the release of pro-inflammatory molecules. Scientists from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that mice consuming DHA and EPA stimulated a receptor on macrophages known as GPR120, which prevented macrophages from signaling pro-inflammatory molecules. This in turn reduced inflammation, according to findings reported in the September 2010 issue of "Cell." Further research needs to be conducted on humans.
Resolvin D2
DHA might lower silent inflammation by converting into resolvin D2, a lipid that regulates white blood cells, according to a study conducted by researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Queen Mary University of London. They found that DHA is converted to resolvin D2 in the body, which prevents overactivation of white blood cells and increases nitric oxide, both of which help reduce inflammation, according to research published in the September 2009 issue of "Nature."
C-reactive Protein and Interleukin-6
Scientists from Kronos Longevity Research Institute studied the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, molecules that induce inflammation. According to research reported in the March 2008 issue of "Hormone and Metabolic Research," participants who consumed 720 g of fatty fish, which contains DHA and EPA, and 15 mL of sardine oil weekly for eight weeks experienced decreases in both C-reactive protein and interleukin-6.
Interactions
Blood-thinning medications, cyclosporine, diabetes medications and topical steroids may interact with fish oil, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website. Therefore, speak to your health care provider before taking fish oil.
References
- "Cell"; GPR120 Is an Omega-3 Fatty Acid Receptor Mediating Potent Anti-inflammatory and Insulin-Sensitizing Effects; D.Y. Oh et al.; September 2010
- "Nature"; Resolvin D2 is a Potent Regulator of Leukocytes and Controls Microbial Sepsis; M. Spite et al.; October 2009
- "Hormone and Metabolic Research"; High Omega-3 Fat Intake Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Reduces CRP and IL6, But Does Not Affect Other Endocrine Axes in Healthy Older Adults; P.D. Tsitouras et al.; March 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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