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Omega fatty acids show mixed effects on body inflammation

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Omega fatty acids show mixed effects on body inflammation
Photo by Anirudh / Unsplash

A large review combined results from many studies to see if omega-3 and omega-6 supplements affect body inflammation. Researchers looked at over 500 participants who took these supplements for about 10 to 12 weeks. They measured several key inflammation markers in the blood.

The main finding was that one marker, called IL-1 beta, was significantly reduced in people taking the supplements. This effect was a bit stronger in those who took omega-6 supplements. However, the other markers—IL-6, CRP, and TNF-alpha—showed no significant changes.

For people with a liver condition called MASLD, the supplements did not improve IL-6 levels. Short-term use of omega-6 also did not change IL-6, and omega-3 did not change TNF-alpha. The review did not report on side effects or safety concerns.

Overall, the results suggest that omega supplements might help lower one specific inflammation marker, but they do not seem to affect most others. More research is needed to understand who might benefit most.

What this means for you:
Omega supplements may lower one inflammation marker but have little effect on most others.
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