Long COVID relief? DSM spotlights omega 3s as potential remedy for neurological symptoms

27 Oct 2022 --- In light of recent research, Royal DSM is proposing that omega 3 fatty acids may be a possible solution to the cognitive effects reported by some who have been infected with COVID-19. The nutrition, health and bioscience player states that the possible effects should be investigated further. 

The symptoms commonly associated with so-called “Long COVID” include both neurological and cerebrovascular conditions – conditions for which omega 3s have recently been reported to improve.

 “We’re keen to help expand knowledge surrounding the role these important ingredients play in this emerging field of research and ultimately inspire the development of purpose-led health solutions,” says Dr. Sonia Hartunian-Sowa, director of science, translation and advocacy at DSM. 

How bad is it?
The study in question, published in Nature Medicine, reveals that neuroimaging studies have found increased pulmonary and neurological inflammation in people who reported feeling Long COVID symptoms. Additionally, neuroimaging analysis found reductions in the brain’s gray matter for many months following infection.

The researchers used the US Department of Veterans Affairs database – the largest neuroimaging database in the US – to include 154,068 patients with COVID-19 infections and a control group of 5,638,795 patients with no record of infection for comparison.Omega 3 fatty acids have already been shown to alleviate many symptoms associated with Long COVID.

According to the study’s authors, “patients with COVID-19 had an increased risk of a wide range of incident neurological disorders, including cerebrovascular disorders, cognition and memory disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, episodic disorders, extrapyramidal and movement disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, sensory disorders and other neurological or related disorders.”

Moreover, these symptoms have been reported by 7.5% of adults in the US alone. The associated risks were found to persist whether the patients had experienced severe cases with hospitalization or not. 

Omegas to the rescue
DSM further notes that researchers are currently working hard to understand the mechanisms by which COVID-19 is able to cause such debilitating, non-pulmonary effects in the virus’ host. 

A recent slew of studies has found that omega 3s can have positive effects on some of the symptoms of Long COVID. One US-based study found that supplementing with the nutrient can increase cognitive function – including memory and learning – in midlife and beyond. 

A separate study out of Barcelona, Spain, found that dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may improve attention levels in adolescents. Additionally, a study out of Macau University in China found that taking 3 g of omega 3s a day may significantly reduce blood pressure – a finding that could prove helpful against Long COVID’s cerebrovascular complications.

With such a wealth of information, it is no wonder that DSM would call for more expanded research on the effects of omega 3 supplementation and Long COVID. However, it is important to note that, though there may be strong correlation, no study has yet been conducted.

By William Bradford Nichols