Inflammation has been suggested by many as the first event in many if not nearly every disease in humans. EPA and DHA which are omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil, have been shown to reduce levels of inflammation. In fact this is nearly universally accepted which is why so many tout fish oil as ‘anti-inflammatory’.
During short periods of time inflammation is a normal process, however, sustained inflammation is abnormal – more precisely it’s not good for you. One of those markers of inflammation is interleukin-6, or IL-6. During cardiovascular disease levels of IL-6 are increased suggesting more inflammation is present. T
The reduction of IL-6 by fish oil has been reported by multiple scientific groups, however, the mechanism that it does this by has been unknown until recently.
Every gene in the human body, which is more than 30,000, are regulated by what is known as a ‘promoter’. In the case of IL-6 this gene can be turned on if the promoter has methyl groups attached to it.
In other words, if IL-6 gene is methylated there will be an increase in inflammation.
A group from Boston University recently screened 846 people to determine if increased omega-3 fatty acids had an effect on the IL-6 promoter gene. More interestingly, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids led to a lower amount of IL-6.
One easy way that a doctor can determine the amount of omega-3 fatty acids is through a laboratory test using your red blood cells. Because our bodies make red blood cells all the time they can often be a good indicator of determining how much omega-3 fatty acids are in our blood stream.
Take away message: There is an association with increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids and a normal expression of the gene IL-6 in a large human study.
In terms of lifestyle, omega-3 fatty acids from fish or through dietary supplements is known to increase levels of omega-3 fatty acids. If you are one of those people who does not favor fish dietary supplements may be an option for you to increase levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. 2016 February; Volume 60 (Issue 2): Pages 410-9.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Good fats (PUFAs, omega-3), Inflammation