Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

What is it?

• Omega-3 fatty acids are long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Most common dietary sources include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Good sources of ALA include flaxseeds and walnuts. EPA and DHA are found in fish.

How does it work in the body?

• The body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids; therefore, it is important to ensure adequate consumption through the diet [94]. In the body, omega-3 fats are incorporated with cell membranes and modulate the function of cell receptors. DHA and EPA lower triglycerides by reducing hepatic production of VLDL (very low density lipoproteins).

What is it used for?

• Omega 3 FA can be used to prevent cardiovascular disease by specifically lowering triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be used in treatments for RA, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, cognitive decline, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, some cancers and macular degeneration.

Dosage:

• Supplementing 3-4 g/day of omega 3 FA has been proven to be very effective for lowering triglycerides. A dosage of <1 g/day may have little effect

Evidence for or against its different uses:

• Cardiovascular disease: Eating a diet rich in unsaturated fats has been proven to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, specifically improving HDL levels and decreasing LDL/triglycerides. This can be done by following a Mediterranean diet .

• RA: One study looked at the effects of fish oil for the side effects of rheumatoid arthritis. A statistical improvement was seen in the group taking fish oil on both pain and strength after 12 weeks of supplementation. Of note, best improvements were seen in those supplements with fish and olive oil [98].

• Depression: While it has been speculated that fish oil could have a positive effect on depression, significant research has been unable to prove this as a fact.

• Bipolar disorder. A randomized double blind placebo controlled study was conducted to assess the benefits of supplementing ethyl-EPA for depressive moods in bipolar individuals. After significant improvements were found, the study concluded that ethyl-EPA can be used adjunctly with bipolar medications as an effective treatment.

• Schizophrenia: A review from 2006 found that using omega 3 fatty acids as a form of the treatment for schizophrenics remain inconclusive.

• ADHD: Studies on diet changes with ADHD are common; however, more research on the exact effect of omega-3 supplementation requires further research.

• Macular degeneration: A prospective study from 2001 showed an inverse relationship between those who had four or more serving of fish/week with age-related macular degeneration.

• Cognitive decline/dementia: A well-known association between cognitive decline and dementia has been studied through epidemiological studies. These studies have concluded that omega 3 consumption has a positive effect on the treatment or prevention of cognitive decline; however, more clinical trials are needed.

• IBD: Omega-3 fatty acids are found to help gastrointestinal disorders due to their anti-inflammatory effects. Epidemiologic studies found that with ingestion of omega 3 fatty acids, there was a decrease in inflammatory bowel dis-ease in eskimos. Results of a review looking at the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory bowel diseases were controversial.

• Asthma: It is difficult to study the effects of fish oil on asthma due to the many other factors in the environment that could exacerbate asthma. A study completed in 2000 conducted in a controlled hospital environment, exhibited less symptoms when supplementing with fish oil.

• Cancers: One study focused on the risk of prostate cancer and fatty fish consumption. Six-thousand male participants over a 30-year time frame were included in the study. Of those who ate no fatty fish were at a much higher risk of prostate cancer when compared to those who did.

Safety concerns/side effects/precautions:

• Side effect of fish oil include GI upset such as nausea or diarrhea [93, 94].

• Omega 3 should be avoided in those with fish allergies [96].

• When supplementing with omega 3, patients with altered liver function may exhibit increased ALT levels.

Interactions with medications:

• Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can increase blood sugars, diabetic patients may need to increase insulin dosage.

• If an individual is on cyclosporin following a transplant, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may reduce medication side effects, such as elevated blood pressure.

• Omega 3 can increase antiplatelet effects of antiplatelet agents and may also increase anticoagulant effects of anticoagulants.