N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation and immunity: pouring oil on troubled waters or another fishy tale?

Calder, P.C. (2001) N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation and immunity: pouring oil on troubled waters or another fishy tale? Nutrition Research, 21 (1-2), 309-341. (doi:10.1016/S0271-5317(00)00287-6).

Abstract

Studies which have investigated the influence of increased consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) upon indices of immune function in healthy humans are reviewed. Four studies have investigated the effects of ?-linolenic acid (ALNA; 2 to 18 g per day). Over 25 studies have investigated the effects of the long chain n-3 PUFA and these have used 0.55 to 14.4 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexanoic acid (DHA) per day. Studies have been of 3 to 52 weeks duration. Most studies have examined the functions of immune cells ex vivo; there are a limited number of studies reporting in vivo measures of immune status/responses. High levels of either ALNA or EPA + DHA decrease chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes, production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils and monocytes, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by monocytes and T lymphocytes, and T lymphocyte proliferation. For most of these functions it is not possible to determine dose-response relationships because of experimental differences among studies. Thus, it is not clear what the level of n-3 PUFA required to exert the different effects is. The immunological effects of large amounts of n-3 PUFA suggest that they might be useful as therapies for diseases characterized by immune dysfunction. Evidence for beneficial effects of long chain n-3 PUFA in rheumatoid arthritis is strong and there is less strong evidence for benefit in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and psoriasis and among some adult asthmatics.

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Contributors

Author: P.C. Calder

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