Omega-3 Research Points To Anti-Inflammatory Aid

Omega-3 Research Points To Anti-Inflammatory Aid

SYRACUSE, N.Y.--Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may behelpful for the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic inflammatoryconditions, according to research published in the July issue of CurrentOpinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care (6, 4:413-9, 2003) (www.co-clinicalnutrition.com).In reviewing recent omega-3 literature, researchers from SUNY Upstate MedicalUniversity noted long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), particularlythe omega-3s, have anti-inflammatory actions, and patients with acute andchronic inflammatory conditions often have low tissue concentrations of variousLC-PUFAs and high levels of proinflammatory cytokines. These off levels cancause anorexia and decrease food intake, leading researchers to conclude omega-3supplementation might improve inflammatory condition-related anorexia, as wellas inflammatory conditions themselves.