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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The very-long chain (VLC) omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) promote optimal development, physiological function and healthy ageing and help to manage disease. EPA and DHA are sourced mainly from fish, which is not sustainable. This review explores alternative sustainable sources. RECENT FINDINGS Recent research confirms that higher intake and status of EPA and DHA are associated with health benefits including lower risk of incident type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease mortality. Meta-analyses confirm benefits of intravenous EPA and DHA in hospitalized adults. Algal oils and seed oils from some genetically modified (GM) plants are sources of EPA and DHA. An oil from GM camelina showed equivalence with fish oil in human trials. Ahiflower oil, a source of stearidonic acid, had biological effects in experimental studies that might translate into health benefits. An intravenous lipid emulsion based on Ahiflower oil has been tested in experimental research. Pine nut oil (PNO) is a source of pinolenic acid, which is not an omega-3 PUFA but has similar actions. SUMMARY Algal oils, oils from GM seed crops, Ahiflower oil and other sources of stearidonic acid, and nonomega-3 oils including PNO, are plant-sourced sustainable alternatives to fish-sourced VLC omega-3 PUFAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella J Baker
- School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Rodríguez-Vera D, Salazar JR, Soriano-Ursúa MA, Guzmán-Pérez J, Vergara-Castañeda A, Muñoz-Durán H, Ramírez-Velez GL, Vivar-Sierra A, Naranjo-Navarro CR, Meza-Meneses PA, Loza-Mejía MA, Pinto-Almazán R. Effectiveness of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in Improving the Metabolic and Inflammatory Profiles of Mexican Adults Hospitalized with COVID-19. Diseases 2024; 12:28. [PMID: 38248379 PMCID: PMC10814050 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The development of severe COVID-19 is related to the preexistence of comorbidities and an inadequate nutritional status. The latter is a critical factor for the development of infection and the progression of the disease. Notably, optimal nutrition impacts immune system function, as malnutrition is related to high cytokine levels in the late phase of the disease, correlating with a poor prognosis. In this sense, omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. O3FAs are linked to a better prognosis in COVID-19 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, we evaluate the administration of O3FAs to unvaccinated Mexican patients for two weeks starting after the first two hours of hospitalization. RESULTS The findings support the notion that O3FAs (in a dose high enough to satisfy human physiological requirements in a short time, one capsule of 1.4 g O3FAs daily) exert a comprehensive multi-systemic modulatory influence, affecting inflammatory and metabolic pathways. Significant perturbations in biomarkers, including absolute neutrophil count, hematocrit, and platelet indices, underscore the compound's anti-inflammatory effect. Concurrently, the intervention modulates pivotal metabolic and hepatic parameters, attenuating cardiovascular risk profiles and expediting patient convalescence. These multifarious effects are likely orchestrated through intricate biochemical mechanisms and are subject to individual variations predicated on metabolic factors. CONCLUSIONS The results of this trial support the notion that O3FA supplementation has beneficial effects on COVID-19 patients with moderate presentation by regulating metabolism and limiting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Rodríguez-Vera
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Mirón s/n, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (D.R.-V.); (M.A.S.-U.); (J.G.-P.)
| | - Juan Rodrigo Salazar
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (J.R.S.); (G.L.R.-V.); (A.V.-S.); (C.R.N.-N.)
| | - Marvin A. Soriano-Ursúa
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Mirón s/n, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (D.R.-V.); (M.A.S.-U.); (J.G.-P.)
| | - Jessica Guzmán-Pérez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Mirón s/n, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (D.R.-V.); (M.A.S.-U.); (J.G.-P.)
| | - Arely Vergara-Castañeda
- Promotion and Education for Health and Food Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico;
| | - Horacio Muñoz-Durán
- Environmental Technology Division and Section of Postgraduate Studies, Universidad Tecnológica de Nezahualcóyotl. Cto. Rey Nezahualcóyotl Manzana 10, Benito Juárez, Nezahualcoyotl 57000, Mexico;
| | - Gabriela L. Ramírez-Velez
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (J.R.S.); (G.L.R.-V.); (A.V.-S.); (C.R.N.-N.)
| | - Alonso Vivar-Sierra
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (J.R.S.); (G.L.R.-V.); (A.V.-S.); (C.R.N.-N.)
| | - Carlos Rogelio Naranjo-Navarro
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (J.R.S.); (G.L.R.-V.); (A.V.-S.); (C.R.N.-N.)
| | - Patricia A. Meza-Meneses
- Servicio de Infectología, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de Ixtapaluca, Ixtapaluca 56530, Mexico;
| | - Marco A. Loza-Mejía
- Design, Isolation, and Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules Research Group, Chemical Sciences School, Universidad La Salle-México, Benjamín Franklin 45, Mexico City 06140, Mexico; (J.R.S.); (G.L.R.-V.); (A.V.-S.); (C.R.N.-N.)
| | - Rodolfo Pinto-Almazán
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Mirón s/n, Mexico City 11340, Mexico; (D.R.-V.); (M.A.S.-U.); (J.G.-P.)
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