Omega-3s show anti-inflammatory, infant development and mental health benefits

01/04/05 Recent research helps explain why the long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) diminishes inflammatory responses in various tissues and clinical conditions. New data also support positive associations between n-3 LC-PUFAs, infant development and mental health.

The lead study in the the DSM sponsored PUFA Newsletter describes how EPA operates in controlling excessive immune and inflammatory responses. It also indicates that in the presence of aspirin, EPA generates a newly identified category of anti-inflammatory substances called resolvins. Other new findings suggest that fish consumption, which provides n-3 LC-PUFAs, is associated with reduced risk of clogged carotid arteries.

In stark contrast to most research, a recent study on abnormal heartbeats in Danish adults reported no benefit related to fish consumption. Another study indicated that greater fish consumption was associated with modestly reduced mortality from all causes after adjustment for age and energy consumption. However, the associations were not statistically significant when other risks such as alcohol consumption and smoking were considered.

Other research in the Newsletter shows the importance of the n-3 LC-PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in maternal and infant diets, supporting the recent regulatory decision to supplement infant formula with DHA and arachidonic acid. It also indicates that adding n-3 LC- PUFAs or at least DHA to weaning foods, along with educating mothers about food sources of DHA for their infants, could provide measurable benefits in infant development.