Are All Omega-3s Equal In Protecting Against Liver Disease?

People often hark on about the benefits of omega-3 oil supplements, especially for your heart wellness, but researchers at Oregon State University have found that, when it comes preventing weight-related liver inflammation and fibrosis, not all omega-3 oils are created equal, and one particular omega-3 fatty acid had a significantly more powerful effect in treating the conditions.

DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids are often cited for their nutritional value and positive effect on your wellbeing, but this study, published online in the Journal of Nutrition, was one of the first to directly compare the effects of two. They found that, in laboratory animals, EPA had comparatively little effect on preventing the fibrosis, or scarring, that’s associated with often fatal non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), whilst DHA supplements caused a liver fibrosis protein reduction of more than 65%.

According to Donald Jump, a principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute at OSU and a professor in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences, ‘A reduction of that magnitude in the actual scarring and damage to the liver is very important. Many clinical trials are being done with omega-3 fatty acids related to liver disease. Our studies may represent the first to specifically compare the capacity of EPA versus DHA to prevent NASH. It appears that DHA, which can also be converted to EPA in the human body, is one of the most valuable for this purpose.’

As the obesity epidemic grows, so does the incidences of fatty liver disease and liver damage. NASH is associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, due to excess fat storage in your liver. Eventually, this chronic inflammation can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer, and while NASH and other liver conditions can be prevented and delayed with behavioural changes other approaches are needed to prevent and treat it.

Jump said that ‘Omega-3 fatty acids are typically recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease,’ but the levels of omega-3 oils you need vary with the health concern. ‘Recommended intake levels of omega-3 fatty acids in humans for disease prevention are around 200-500 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA per day,’ he added.

The researchers concluded by saying, ‘DHA was more effective than EPA at attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis and hepatic damage. Based on these results, DHA may be a more attractive dietary supplement than EPA for the prevention and potential treatment of NASH in obese humans.’