Joint effects of one year of marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and participant dietary fish intake upon circulating lipid mediators of inflammation resolution in a randomized controlled trial

Nutrition. 2024 Jul:123:112413. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2024.112413. Epub 2024 Feb 28.

Abstract

Objectives: We assessed the joint effects of omega (n)-3 fatty acid supplementation and dietary fish intake on systemic lipid mediators of inflammation among adults.

Methods: Within VITAL, a double-blind randomized controlled trial, adults were randomized to ω-3 fatty acids (460 mg EPA + 380 mg DHA/d) or placebo. We selected participants who reported low (<1 serving/mo) baseline dietary fish intake and matched them by age, sex, race, and trial arm to participants with self-reported highest fish intake (≥3.9 servings/wk). Baseline and 1-y plasma samples were tested for 9 ω-3 fatty acid-derived lipid mediators. Multivariable linear models assessed lipid mediator changes and joint effects of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation and dietary fish intake.

Results: Forty-eight participants with low baseline fish intake were matched to 48 with high fish intake. Mean age was 64.6 (±7.26), 50% were female, and 85% non-Hispanic white. One-year lipid mediator changes in expected directions were observed in those receiving ω-3 fatty acids versus placebo: reductions in proinflammatory mediators, PGD2, 5-HETE, and 12-HETE; increases in proresolving mediators, EPA and DHA. Larger 1-y lipid biomarker changes were seen in those with low baseline fish intake randomized to active ω-3 fatty acids for DHA, EPA, PGD2, Resolvin D1, and Resolvin D4 were observed, although no significant multiplicative interactions were detected.

Discussion: Beneficial changes in circulating proresolving and proinflammatory mediators were found with 1-y of ω-3 fatty acid supplementation versus placebo for all participants, with a trend toward larger effects among those with low baseline fish intake, although interactions were not significant.

Keywords: DHA; EPA; Eicosanoid lipid mediators; Fish oil; Omega-3 fatty acid; Specialized proresolving mediator.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Diet / methods
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids* / administration & dosage
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids* / blood
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / blood
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3* / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Fishes*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation* / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Seafood*

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid