Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammatory Processes
Calder PC • Nutrients
Key Finding
Effective anti-inflammatory effects require >2g EPA+DHA daily; EPA-derived eicosanoids 10-100 fold less potent as inflammatory mediators; new steady-state reached within ~4 weeks
Key Findings
- 1Anti-inflammatory effects require >2g EPA+DHA daily
- 2EPA-derived LTB5 is 10-100 fold less potent than AA-derived LTB4
- 3New membrane steady-state reached within ~4 weeks of supplementation
- 4Resolvins from EPA/DHA possess anti-inflammatory and inflammation-resolving properties
Original title: “Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes”
Plain English Summary
Review examining how EPA and DHA modify cell membrane composition and alter eicosanoid/resolvin production. EPA-derived eicosanoids have different properties than arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids.
In-Depth Analysis
Study Details
Author: Philip C Calder
Institution: Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton
Journal: Nutrients, 2010; 2(3):355-374
PMCID: PMC3257651
Key Points (from original paper)
Fatty Acid Composition in Western Diets
- •Arachidonic acid: 10-20% of blood cell fatty acids
- •EPA: 0.5-1%
- •DHA: 2-4%
Mechanisms
- •Dietary EPA and DHA modify arachidonic acid content in inflammatory cells
- •Alters eicosanoid and resolvin production patterns
- •EPA-derived eicosanoids have "differing properties from those of arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids"
- •Resolvins possess "anti-inflammatory and inflammation resolving" capabilities
Key Findings
Incorporation Timeline:
- •New steady-state composition reached within ~4 weeks of supplementation
Dose Requirements:
- •Effective anti-inflammatory effects require >2g EPA+DHA daily
- •Rheumatoid arthritis studies used 1.5-7g EPA+DHA/day (average ~3.5g)
Relative Potency:
- •LTB5 (EPA-derived) is 10-100 fold less potent than LTB4 (AA-derived) as neutrophil chemoattractant
Source: PMC full text (PMC3257651)
Paradigm Relevance
How this study applies to different clinical perspectives:
Standard Medical
RelevantConventional clinical guidelines used by most doctors
Why it matters:
Supports omega-3 supplementation recommendations for cardiovascular protection
Research Consensus
RelevantCurrent scientific understanding, often ahead of guidelines
Why it matters:
Details dose-response relationship; explains resolvin production and inflammation resolution mechanisms
Metabolic Optimization
RelevantProactive targets for optimal health, not just disease absence
Why it matters:
Provides mechanistic rationale for 2-4g EPA/DHA daily protocols to reduce CRP and systemic inflammation
Study Details
- Type
- Review Article
- Methodology
- Review article examining mechanisms of omega-3 anti-inflammatory effects through membrane composition changes and eicosanoid/resolvin production.
Evidence Quality
Review from PMC3257651. Author Philip C Calder from University of Southampton.
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Original Source
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a permanent link to this publication. Unlike website URLs that can change, a DOI always resolves to the correct source.
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