Today, more than ever, health and well-being play very important roles as the population strives to keep healthy in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. Proper nutrition is essential to health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back.
The covid-19 virus is primarily transmitted between respiratory droplets and contact routes. This virus may cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic even if they are infected, while some experience severe complications of Covid-19 infection and lead to death.
Some of the symptoms may include [1]:
According to some experts, some of the fatal causes of Covid-19 are the overdrive of the host immune system leading to cytokine storm and multiple organ failure [2,3]. Maintaining a stable metabolism and regulating inflammatory responses are critical [2], for better protection against the coronavirus.
Numerous studies have been performed on the role of nutrition and supplementation in the prevention and management of Covid-19, and omega-3 is one of the nutrients. Previously, the Omega-3 was known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is popular for supporting cardiovascular, joint, and eye health. Seeing many of its potent health benefits, research on the health effects of Omega-3 fatty acids is burgeoning, with additional studies added each year. After the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, more information has become available also for the immune function of patients with viral infections, particularly the coronavirus [3].
A closer look at Omega-3: The Latest finding of the impact on COVID-19
The findings in some studies suggested that Omega-3 supplementation exhibited anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and antiviral effects on coronavirus [3]. As detailed in the Journal of Translational Medicine, Doaei et.al reported improved renal and respiratory parameters in 128 critically ill Covid-19 patients after 14 days of omega-3 supplementation. This experimental group exhibited higher one-month survival rates and higher levels of arterial pH, HCO3, base excess (Be), and lower levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Creatine (Cr), and K compared to the control group [4].
This anti-viral effect might be associated with the prevention of viral entry by changing the composition of fats in the bilipid membrane of cells. It functions by preventing signals that activate NF-κB inflammatory immune response and help to alleviate complications of COVID-19 by producing fewer pro-inflammatory mediators, decreasing inflammation of lungs, and induces a positive immune response to fight infections, such as the coronavirus [3,4].
The Bottom Line
Omega-3 is an essential nutrient that most people can obtain from dietary sources and replenish from dietary supplements. It has exhibited various health benefits and is suggested for immunity boosting and anti-viral effects. Anyone who is considering taking supplements can check with a healthcare provider for their safe use and dosage.
Reference:
COVID-19 symptoms. American Lung Association. (n.d.). https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/covid-19/symptoms-diagnosis.
Koe, T. (2020, December 21). COVID-19: China experts advise supplementation of OMEGA-3, protein, polyphenols in patients. Nutraingredients. Retrieved https://www.nutraingredients-asia.com/Article/2020/12/21/COVID-19-China-experts-advise-supplementation-of-omega-3-protein-polyphenols-in-patients
Hathaway, D., Pandav, K., Patel, M., Riva-Moscoso, A., Singh, B. M., Patel, A., Min, Z. C., Singh-Makkar, S., Sana, M. K., Sanchez-Dopazo, R., Desir, R., Fahem, M., Manella, S., Rodriguez, I., Alvarez, A., & Abreu, R. (2020). Omega 3 Fatty Acids and COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review. Infection & chemotherapy, 52(4), 478–495. https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2020.52.4.478.
Doaei, S., Gholami, S., Rastgoo, S. et al.The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on clinical and biochemical parameters of critically ill patients with COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial. J Transl Med 19, 128 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-02795-5
