OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS SUPPLEMENTATION IN HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Mo Mo Than*, Zaw Min Htut, Yan Naing Soe, Kyaw Khine, Kyaw Myo Htun and Ko Ko Lwin

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Omega-3 fatty acids are dietary fats with a variety of health benefits. A growing body of research on omega-3 supplementation has shown that these fatty acids influence neurotrophins related to cognitive function; decreasing lipid peroxidation; attenuating activities on inflammatory eicosanoids, presumably have antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory benefits, and immunomodulatory effects; can prevent atherosclerosis in both human and animal models. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on serum BDNF & cognitive function, Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), serum inflammatory markers as well as lipid profile of healthy adults. Methods: A total of 35 young, healthy adults participated in this pre- and post-interventional study. Each participant received one fish oil supplement comprising 1000 mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, their fasting blood samples were analyzed for serum levels of BDNF, total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant stress (TAS), TNF-α, IL-6, lipid profile, and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) by ELISA method. Calculation of OSI and cognitive function tests (revised Hasegawa's dementia scale; HDS-R) were also done. Results: After 12 weeks of supplementation, mean serum BDNF and CETP levels were significantly increased, with a substantial decrease in mean serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, TG, and VLDL as well as OSI. Mean HDS-R was likely to increase after supplementation although it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Therefore, daily omega-3 fatty acids supplementation for 12 weeks has shown beneficial outcomes on health with positive neurocognitive function, anti-oxidant improvement, anti-inflammatory action, and lipid-lowering effects even in healthy individuals.

Keywords: Omega-3 fatty acids, BDNF, HDS-R, Inflammatory markers, OSI, Lipid profiles.