Omega 3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA)

Overview

Omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — are anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acids that counterbalance the pro-inflammatory effects of omega-6 arachidonic acid. They act through multiple mechanisms: competitive COX-2/5-LOX substrate (reducing prostaglandin/leukotriene production), precursors to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) (resolvins, protectins, maresins), and direct microbiome modulators.

Microbiome Effects

  • Omega-3 supplementation increases Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while reducing Proteobacteria — shifting the microbiome toward an anti-inflammatory composition [1].
  • EPA/DHA enhance intestinal barrier integrity, reducing endotoxemia.
  • The microbiome-mediated effects may explain why omega-3 supplementation has broader anti-inflammatory effects than expected from direct COX inhibition alone.

Condition-Specific Evidence

  • T1D autoimmunity: Ameliorates autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice via microbiome + immune modulation [1].
  • ED: Improves endothelial function in chronic pelvic ischemia [2]; altered FA profiles in diabetic ED [3].
  • MS: Dietary omega-3 studied for neuroinflammation modulation [4] [5].
  • Depression/sexual dysfunction: Systematic review evidence for anti-inflammatory interventions including omega-3 [6].
  • Hashimoto's: Part of dietary prevention strategies [7].

Cross-References

References (8)

  1. Xinyun Bi, Fanghong Li, Shanshan Liu et al. (2017). Bi 2017 — Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Ameliorate Type 1 Diabetes and Autoimmunity. Journal of Clinical Investigation. doi:10.1172/JCI87388
  2. Ji Sung Shim, Dae Hee Kim, Jae Hyun Bae et al. (2016). Shim 2016 — Omega-3 Fatty Acids Improve Erectile Function in Atherosclerosis-induced Chronic Pelvic Ischemia Rat Model. Journal of Korean Medical Science. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.585
  3. Mohamed Raâfet Ben Khedher, Houda Bouhajja, Samia Haj Ahmed et al. (2017). Ben Khedher 2017 — Disturbed Fatty Acids Metabolism in Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction. Lipids in Health and Disease. doi:10.1186/s12944-017-0637-9
  4. Katz Sand I (2018). The Role of Diet in Multiple Sclerosis: Mechanistic Connections and Current Evidence. Current Nutrition Reports. doi:10.1007/s13668-018-0236-z
  5. Hoffman K, Doyle WJ, Schumacher SM et al. (2023). Gut Microbiome-Modulated Dietary Strategies in EAE and Multiple Sclerosis. Frontiers in Nutrition. doi:10.3389/fnut.2023.1146748
  6. Omid Malekpour, Amir Mahdi Malekpour (2025). Malekpour & Malekpour 2025 — Anti-Inflammatory Interventions on Mental Health and Sexual Performance. International Journal of New Findings in Health and Educational Sciences (IJHES). doi:10.63053/ijhes.160
  7. Puszkarz I, Guty E, Stefaniak I et al. (2018). Role of Food and Nutrition in Pathogenesis and Prevention of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. doi:10.5281/zenodo.1320419
  8. Martin DA, Bolling BW (2015). A Review of the Efficacy of Dietary Polyphenols in Experimental Models of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Food & Function. doi:10.1039/c5fo00202h

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