In industrialized countries, modern diets provide an abundance of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) relative to omega-3 PUFAs, and this is known to contribute to the incidence of cardiovascular conditions along with the chronic immune activation seen in atopic and inflammatory disorders.

Nutrition research has shown that an intervention as simple as increasing dietary intakes of EPA and DHA relative to common omega-6 fats could effectively improve cardiovascular outcomes in individuals as well as population-wide.

In this laboratory study, researchers investigated multiple ways by which EPA and DHA influence immune cell populations and function. They also observed changes in the composition of immune cell membranes after treatment with these essential fats. The results demonstrate that each of these mechanisms contribute to the numerous immunomodulatory actions of omega-3 fats.

EPA and DHA Coach Immune Cells Towards Resolution

KEY TAKEAWAY:

This study shows that the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and

docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are not immunosuppressive. Instead, they aid the

transition from an active immune response to its resolution.