Omega-3s have a positive effect on all metabolic processes
Metabolism: Omega-3 improve its processes
Omega-3 appear to have more beneficial effects on metabolism than those known so far. In particular, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) has a protective effect on many metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
This was discovered by researchers at Oregon State University (USA) led by Professor Donald Jump, in a study investigating the effects of Omega-3 on various metabolic processes. The results were published in the journal Plos One.
Omega-3 and metabolism
Studies conducted over the last 30 years on Omega-3 fatty acids have highlighted protective effects against numerous diseases, particularly cardiovascular ones. They contribute to controlling blood pressure and give elasticity to artery walls, reduce plasma cholesterol and triglycerides, and act as platelet anti-aggregants. Omega-3 are thus important regulators of fat metabolism. This recent study investigated the effects of Omega-3 on the metabolism of vitamins, amino acids, and carbohydrates, using metabolomics, i.e., the analysis of molecules derived from the body's biochemical reactions.
DHA combats fatty liver disease
The study was conducted on laboratory mice that, in addition to following a diet comparable to a typical Western diet rich in saturated fats and sugars, received supplements of olive oil, or DHA, in amounts equivalent to 2-4 grams daily per person, or EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) plus DHA. Studying the liver tissue and the genes expressed in it after 16 weeks of treatment, researchers evaluated the effects of the different supplements.
Analyses showed that animals receiving olive oil, rich in oleic acid—a monounsaturated fatty acid—showed genetic features comparable to those of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), a disease characterized by high fat accumulation in the liver, which can progress to carcinoma or cirrhosis. From the analysis of 320 molecules, researchers observed that Omega-3 supplementation affected all major metabolic pathways.
DHA seemed to partially or completely prevent dysfunctions in the metabolism of carbohydrates, vitamins, and amino acids, often linked in humans to excessive consumption of red meat and complex sugars. DHA was more effective than EPA in reducing NASH symptoms. The main action of both Omega-3 appeared to be limiting the synthesis of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and hepatic sphingomyelin, a lipid molecule which, when in excess, causes liver damage. This action, along with the reduction of NFkB, a protein regulating inflammation and immune response, explains the ability of supplements to limit the inflammatory process related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Furthermore, EPA and DHA reduced oxidative stress by producing oxidized lipids derived from the Omega-3 themselves.
Effects on all metabolic pathways
Although the study confirms the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action of Omega-3, it reports some limitations such as unclear differences between human and animal NASH and the difficulty of extracting and analyzing some very small metabolites. Despite this, the molecular analysis results established that Omega-3, particularly DHA, can have significant effects on liver metabolism, protecting against the effects of a diet rich in saturated fats and carbohydrates, and against metabolic disease risk. To stay updated on the latest scientific research news about Omega-3, subscribe to our newsletter.
Source: Christopher M. Depner, Maret G. Traber, Gerd Bobe, Elizabeth Kensicki, Kurt M. Bohren, Ginger Milne, Donald B. Jump. “A Metabolomic Analysis of Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Mediated Attenuation of Western Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in LDLR-/- Mice.” Published: December 17, 2013
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083756
