Study Finds Omega-3s Are Heart-Protecting Antioxidants
Omega-3 EPA DHA: powerful antioxidant protectors for the heart
The intake of fish oil rich in Omega-3 increases the expression of antioxidant genes and reduces that of genes that promote oxidation. Omega-3s may exert an antioxidant effect based on the regulation of genes responsible for oxidation.
This new potential action of these fatty acids was revealed by a group of researchers at Leibniz University in Hannover (Germany). In a study published in Nutrition and Metabolism, the scientists discovered that fish oil, rich in Omega-3, increases the expression of antioxidant enzymes while simultaneously reducing those enzymes that promote oxidation. This effect is especially significant in patients with abnormal blood lipid levels, but it was also observed for the first time in individuals without such problems.
Omega-3: anti-inflammatory and antioxidant?
The health benefits linked to high consumption of Omega-3-rich foods or supplements containing these fatty acids have long been known and relate to the cardiovascular system, nervous system, and other human organs and tissues. One of the primary actions of these nutrients is anti-inflammatory. While other fats (Omega-6) promote the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, Omega-3s are precursors of substances that reduce inflammation levels.
However, there has long been debate about the effect of increased Omega-3 consumption on cellular oxidation levels. Unsaturated fatty acids, the class to which these nutrients belong, can be oxidized once in the body, thus potentially increasing overall oxidation. Previous studies revealed that Omega-3 intake is not associated with an increase in oxidative status. The results of this new research further support the hypothesis that increasing these fatty acids intake does not increase oxidation but may actually reduce it.
An action independent of disease
Researchers administered 2.7 grams of fish oil daily for 12 weeks to 10 men with normal blood lipid levels and to another 10 men with abnormal blood lipid concentrations. Gene expression analysis revealed that fish oil induced the activity of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and reduced that of genes encoding enzymes that increase oxidation in both healthy participants and those with abnormal blood lipids.
The researchers explained that the final effect is the generation of an optimal oxidative state balance based on the regulation of gene expression. In addition to this phenomenon, the authors also observed improved Omega-3 levels in the blood, closer to those that minimize the risk of sudden cardiac death. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that Omega-3 supplements could protect the heart also through an antioxidant effect. Further studies will clarify the final effect of these fatty acids on genes involved in cellular oxidation processes.
Source:
1. Schmidt S, Stahl F, Mutz KO, Scheper T, Hahn A, Schuchardt JP, “Transcriptome-based identification of antioxidative gene expression after fish oil supplementation in normo- and dyslipidemic men,” Nutr Metab (Lond). 2012 May 23;9(1):45
