Wednesday, September 2, 2009

So fish oil reduces inflammation?

maybe......

An inverse relationship between plasma n-3 fatty acids and C-reactive protein in healthy individuals

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of low-grade sustained inflammation. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma n-3 fatty acid concentration is related to hs-CRP concentration. A total of 124 free-living adults, were divided into tertiles of plasma hs-CRP (<1.0, 1.0–3.0 and >3.0 mg/l). Body composition and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Hs-CRP was analysed using immunoassays and fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. Plasma hs-CRP concentration was negatively correlated with total n-3 fatty acids (P=0.05), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; P=0.002) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; P=0.01). The highest hs-CRP tertile (>3.0 mg/l) had significantly lower concentrations of total n-3 fatty acids, EPA and DPA, when compared with the other tertiles (P<0.05). This study provides evidence that in healthy individuals, plasma n-3 fatty acid concentration is inversely related to hs-CRP concentration, a surrogate marker of CVD risk.

6 comments:

PJNOIR said...

explain in your own words please.

Chris said...

C reactive protein (Crp) is a marker of systemic inflammation.

Omega 3 oils are in fish oil.

Omega 3 is inversely related to hs-CRP concentration, so higher omega 3 = lower inflammation.

Inflammation (chronic, ongoing) is a problem...

PJNOIR said...

so higher consumption of fish oil (Omg-3) will reduce inflammation. That’s a good thing.

Anonymous said...

Higher Omega-3 intake, but also consider reducing controlled factors that can induce chronic inflammation.

Stayfitcentral said...

@PJNoir

Dr. Barry Sears' book, "The Anti-Inflammation Zone" is a good book that explains in simple terms how omega 3's/fish oil can decrease inflammation along with how this can benefit your health.

You can buy the book online cheap since it has been out for a while.


Curt

lemon drop said...

If I already take fish oil, is it necessary to also to eat salmon? I have wondered about this question for some time. I found this quote and was wondering what your take on it was...

“[Simply] taking fish oil supplements is not as optimal as taking fish oil in addition to frequently eating [cold-water fish such as salmon]. Why should you eat fish even if you already take fish oil? Because it is the only animal protein that happens to be poor in omega-6 fatty acids. Eating fish further helps to undo the ravages of our excess consumption of omega-6 fats.”

What's your take on this? What is your advice?

Thanks
Kendall