Fish Oil For Lipodystrophy

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, lipodystrophy is a disorder that affects the way your body produces, uses and stores fat. It can create sections in your body that have unusual fat loss or areas of accumulating fat deposits. Lipodystrophy affects a person's glucose and cholesterol levels and physicians recommend a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol. Supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, are also recommended due to their ability to reduce triglycerides.

Fish Oil

Fish oil can be consumed either by eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements. Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for blood pressure and lowering triglycerides. According to the National Institutes of Health, fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, sturgeon, mullet, bluefish, anchovy, sardines, herring, trout and menhaden provide 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids per 3.5-oz. serving. Fish oil and the omega-3 fatty acids reduce pain and swelling.

Lipodystrophy

Lipodystrophy is broken down into two different types. Lipoatrophy, or fat wasting, refers to the loss of fat in certain areas of the body. This is most commonly seen in the arms, legs, face and buttocks. Hyperadiposity, or the accumulation of fat, is most often seen in the abdomen, breasts and back of the neck. Lipodystrophy can be acquired or congenital. Acquired lipodystrophy may be due to a number of possibilities, including steroid injections, insulin injections, progressive hemifacial atrophy, Lawrence syndrome and Barraquer-Simons syndrome, and is commonly seen in HIV patients on certain medications. Congenital lipodystrophy can be either generalized or partial. Treatment includes surgical procedures such as fat transfers or implants; diabetes and cholesterol management; medication, such as steroids; and changing any medications that may be the cause of lipodystrophy.

Medical Research

A few studies have looked into the use of fish oil in patients with lipodystrophy. A 2003 study published in "Medicine" looked at patients with lipodystrophy and possible treatments and recommendations. The study recommended that severe hypertriglyceridemia, which is common with lipodystrophy, be treated with a low-fat diet and supplementation with fish oil. Another 2003 study published in "Medical Hypotheses" looked at HIV patients with lipodystrophy and how to reduce symptoms and complications. The study recommend that adjunctive measures such as aerobic exercise, very-low-fat diets and supplementation with fish oil be used in order to decrease LDL and triglycerides.

Considerations

Before adding fish oil supplements, please consult with your physician. While fish oil is generally safe for most people, there are precautions that need to be taken if you are on certain medications. If you take medications like Lasix or Norvasc to lower your blood pressure, taking fish oil supplements could make your blood pressure too low. If you take medication like Coumadin to thin your blood, the addition of fish oil supplements could put you at risk for bruising and bleeding. Your physician will be able to advise you on the appropriate amount of supplementation and adjust your medications accordingly.