Scientists have pointed to the disappearance of the benefits of omega-3 after discontinuation of intake

A new study has shown that the benefits of an omega-3 fatty acid known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) vary greatly from person to person. Finnish scientists have studied how it affects metabolism and blood lipid levels in healthy people. This was reported on October 29 by Science Daily magazine.

Although EPA has already been recognized as useful in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in people with high cholesterol or heart disease, its effects on healthy people have been poorly studied. Also, little is known about how omega-3 is incorporated into lipoproteins, the particles that carry fat molecules through the bloodstream.

In this study, 38 volunteers received unusually high doses of EPA supplements. They also had blood tests taken before, during, and after ingestion to monitor how the body processes acid. The results showed large differences in the reactions of the participants' bodies to eicosapentaenoic acid.

"The samples taken during supplementation clearly demonstrate the effects of EPA on all participants. At the same time, all the samples were different in the group. In other words, each person has a unique lipoprotein lipidome in their bloodstream, a kind of "lipid fingerprint" that persists despite taking EPA supplements," explained Professor Katariina Eerni, one of the study's lead authors from the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki and the Vihuri Research Institute.

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Researchers have confirmed that EPA is absorbed efficiently, causing a sharp increase in its concentration in the blood. However, the levels decreased rapidly after discontinuation of the supplements. The greatest changes were observed in participants who started with lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid. EPA also improves the lipid profile of the blood and reduces the tendency of lipoproteins to attach to the walls of the arteries.

Because the study lasted a short period, it did not measure long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, it was found out that EPA can change the composition of lipids in the blood and affect the early risk mechanisms of atherosclerosis even in healthy people.

"The results of the study highlight the importance of metabolism in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The effects of EPA varied more from person to person than we expected. We have also demonstrated that these effects pass quickly, which is useful to know in case of side effects of EPA," said researcher Lauri Eikas.

In the future, the team plans to investigate how EPA supplements affect inflammatory cells and the production of lipid mediators that help control inflammation. Ernie is determined to study how dietary changes affect the quality of lipoproteins or an individual's fat footprint.

Earlier, on October 26, Science Daily reported on the ability of physical activity combined with omega-3 to significantly improve immune function and reduce the severity of chronic apical periodontitis. According to the publication, this method can ease the course of the inflammatory process, helps control bacterial growth, minimize bone loss, balance cytokine production, and stimulate fibroblasts.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.