Omega-3 - Omega-3 and health

Inflammation is a non-specific bodily response to chemical or microbial injury, identified by a number of symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat and pain.
The inflammatory response is modulated by the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 acids. Omega-3 acids have an anti-inflammatory action, as they inhibit the production of mediators.

Epidemiological studies have shown that regular consumption of fish correlates with a lower incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (Horrobin 1987, Recht, Helin et al. 1990).
Clinical studies have concluded that long-chain omega-3 acids have an effect on the clinical parameters of rheumatoid arthritis that depends on dosage (Fortin, Lea et al. 1995; Curtis, Hughs, et al. 2000). In addition, taking these fatty acids seems to reduce the consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (Kjeldsen-Kragh, Haugen et al. 1992; Kremer, Lawrence et al. 1995).

 

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory illness affecting the intestines.
Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effect of long-chain omega-3 supplements in patients suffering from Crohn's disease or inflammatory intestinal disorders (Salomon, Kornbluth et al. 1990; Aslan, Triadafilopoulos et al. 1992).