Health professionals often recommend Omega-3 for it's many health benefits. Omega-3 has been studied for decades and has specifically shown benefits in; cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation, cancer, depression, Alzheimer's, dementia, maternal and child health. Does Omega-3 benefit those with immune disorders or Autoimmunity?
What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 is called an 'essential fatty acid' because it cannot be synthesised in the body, and therefore must be sourced through diet or supplements. It can also be converted from Alpha-Linoleic Acid (ALA) found in seeds and nuts. This conversion process involves several steps and enzymes, and only occurs at low rates in humans. The diagram shows how Omega-3 fits into the 'fats & fatty acids' hierarchy and various food sources.
Western diets are dominated by omega-6 (especially arachidonic acid) but contain only small amounts of Omega-3. All three fatty acids, Omega 3,6,9 play an important role in optimal health. However, maintaining the correct ratio is very important, since Omega-6 can be inflammatory in large amounts. A healthy ratio can be achieved by consuming at least two servings of oily fish a week together with a variety of whole foods like nuts, seeds, olive oil, eggs and grass-fed meat. If you do not eat fish regularly, then you can increase Omega-3 in your diet with a good quality 'pharmaceutical grade' supplement.
Recommended intakes for Omega-3 (EPA & DHA):
250 to 1000 mg/day for adults,
100 mg/day for infants older than six months and children up to 2 years,
100-250 mg/day for older children and teenagers.
For inflammatory and Autoimmune conditions, higher doses are useful but it is best to seek the advice of a health professional for your individual case. Side effects may occur in some individuals due to their specific biology, hence supplementing especially at high doses may require careful supervision.
How does Omega-3 affect the Immune system & Autoimmunity?
The evidence suggests ALA, DHA and EPA Omega-3 fatty acids exert an inhibitory effect on immune cells and over-expressed cytokines, which is why they can be used as immuno-suppressive agents in Autoimmune conditions. More specifically, Omega-3:
Influences the structure and fluidity of immune cell membranes.
Influences the function of immune cell receptors.
Influences immune cell signalling i.e. cytokine production.
Modulates the over-activity of different innate immune cells e.g. neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, eosinophils, basophils.
Modulates T cell over-activity (TH1, TH2, TH17) and is known to increase the Regulatory T cells needed to dampen Autoimmunity
Increases the percentages of B cells in tissues.
Downregulates antigen presenting cells, therefore modulating the adaptive immune response (T cells and B cells).
Decreases IgE mediated activation of mast cells, in allergy specific diseases.
Modulates the type and abundance of gut microbes in the microbiome, altering endotoxins and regulating short chain fatty acids.
Reduces inflammation through the NfKB and MAPK pathways, reduced precursors that cause inflammation and alters expression of inflammation genes.
Can impact infections, depending on the pathogen and the dosage and timing.
Acts as a possible agent for ameliorating psychological disorders and oxidative damage.
The benefits of Omega-3 in chronic disorders may be dose, time and disease dependant and may vary between individuals. There are proven anti-inflammatory benefits, especially in disorders where inappropriate activation of the immune system occurs. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis are some Autoimmune conditions that have positively benefitted in trials from Omega-3 supplementation.
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