How Omega-3s Reduce Fatty Tissue Inflammation Associated with Obesity
Obesity: Less Inflammation with Omega-3
Omega-3 counteract inflammation of adipose tissue caused by obesity. This is demonstrated by a study from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg (Canada), where researchers evaluated the effect of flaxseed oil on fat cells in rats. Flaxseeds are rich in Omega-3 ALA, alpha-linolenic acid. The research results were published in the journal Cytokine1.
Obesity and Inflammation
Obesity is not just an aesthetic problem. The consequences of excess fat accumulation also affect vital organs, especially those of the cardiovascular system. Obesity and overweight are associated with the following factors:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- diabetes
- breathing difficulties;
- bone and joint problems;
- liver dysfunction;
- increased susceptibility to infections;
- higher risk of tumors, especially in women, where excess weight increases the probability of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
More generally, obesity alters metabolism. The immune system contributes to this phenomenon: immune cells migrate into adipose tissue, promoting inflammation. In this state, even the fat cells malfunction by enlarging and changing the quantity and type of molecules they produce.
Why Might Omega-3 Be Useful?
Several studies have shown that Omega-3 effectively counter inflammation. Salmon and mackerel (and fatty fish in general) as well as plant products such as flaxseeds are rich in these fatty acids. Most research has focused on the benefits of the two main marine Omega-3s:
- EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
This study’s authors instead analyzed the potential of ALA, the plant-based Omega-3.
Flaxseed Oil Also Fights Inflammation
The research demonstrated that enriching the diet of obese rats with flaxseed oil, a supplement rich in ALA, reduces fat cell size and levels of various inflammation-associated molecules. After 8 weeks of continuous ALA intake, the adipocytes of the rats were 17% smaller compared to obese animals that did not receive Omega-3:
- levels of MCP-1, a molecule that “attracts” some immune cells, were 5 times lower in the adipose tissue;
- levels of IL-10, another inflammation-associated substance, were reduced by 72%.
The most striking result concerns TNF-alpha, a crucial molecule in inflammatory processes. In the adipose tissue of rats that received ALA, its levels were 80% lower compared to the other mice and similar to those of non-obese animals. Finally, concentrations of IL-10 and TNF-alpha, two other inflammation-associated molecules, were reduced by 72% and 80%, respectively. This ability to improve adipocyte function suggests that flaxseed oil intake could improve the health of obese individuals.
Source
1. Baranowski M, Enns J, Blewett H, Yakandawala U, Zahradka P, Taylor CG, “Dietary flaxseed oil reduces adipocyte size, adipose monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels and T-cell infiltration in obese, insulin-resistant rats”, Cytokine. 2012 May 14.
