DHA Reduces Inflammation in Men with Heart Risk Factor

One of the principal omega-3 fats, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can lower several markers of inflammation in men with elevated triglyceride levels.

Both high levels of inflammation and triglycerides are established risk factors for heart disease.

Darshan S. Kelley, PhD, of the University of California, Davis, and his colleagues asked 17 middle-age men to take either 3 grams of DHA or placebos daily for 90 days. The placebos consisted of olive oil capsules, which may have also had a modest anti-inflammatory effect. The DHA was derived from algae, a vegetarian source.

By the end of the study, men taking DHA had a 15 percent decrease in C-reactive protein (CRP), a decrease of 23 percent in interleukin-6, and a 1.5 percent decrease in circulating white blood cells. In addition, levels of metalloproteinase-2, an antiinflammatory marker, increased by 7 percent.

Kelley wrote that "a reduction in the concentration of C-reactive protein in response to DHA is comparable to the 15-25 percent reduction in CRP caused by statins. Furthermore, we anticipate a larger reduction in CRP with continued intake of DHA."

Reference: Kelley DS, Siegal D, Fedor D, et al. DHA supplementation decreases serum C-reactive protein and other markers of inflammation in hypertriglyceridemic men. Journal of Nutrition, 2009;139:495-501.