Relationship between inflammatory marker and omega 3 fat

Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker for low-grade systemic inflammation. Low grade systemic inflammation is the type of inflammation you may not be aware of, but it is a risk factor for chronic disease.

Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease are some examples where low-grade inflammation plays a role. A simple blood test can measure hs-CRP.

Omega 3 fatty acids are known to have an anti-inflammatory effect and are associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.

The study referred to here, investigated the omega 3 fatty acid concentrations of the participants were related to their hs-CRP levels. (Micalled MA, et al, 2009)

The participants were divided into three groups, one group with hs-CRP less than 1 mg/L, another group with hs-CRP between 1 and 3mg/L, and then one group with hs-CRP above mg/L.

The group that had a hs-CRP level of more than 3 mg/L had significantly lower concentrations of total omega 3 fatty acids when compared with the other groups.

This is even more evidence that eating fish such as wild salmon or taking a good quality omega 3 fish oil supplement can provide significant health benefits.

For more information on the health benefits of omega 3 fish oil click here.

Micallef MA., et al. An inverse relationship between plasma n-3 fatty acids and C-reactive protein in healthy individuals. Eur J CLin Nutr. 2009 Apr 8.