How much do we know about ‘vitamins’ that are as versatile as their types? Hidak, along with Joo Jun-kyung (Wirye Central Pharmacy), is a self-proclaimed vitamin guide for busy modern people. Learn more about vitamins with Hidak’s VITAMIN+BIBLE.
Omega 3, widely known to the public, is a health functional food that has been recognized for various effects by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The functions of omega 3 recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety include improvement of blood triglycerides, improvement of blood circulation, improvement of memory, and eye health. Recently, research on the anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 is being actively conducted.
Omega 3 anti-inflammatory effect
According to a paper published in Nutrients, an international nutritional journal in 2019, omega 3 regulates inflammation in blood vessels and helps the production of anti-inflammatory substances called ‘anti-inflammatory messengers (SPMs)’ that act on white blood cells.
In fact, in 2013, researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada found that omega-3 intake decreased blood levels of C-reactive protein, Interlukin-6, and TNF-alpha, which are key inflammatory markers of metabolic syndrome. discovered that it does. This finding means that the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome, a cause of chronic diseases such as various autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, atopy, allergic asthma, and dryness.
Research on the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 is not the only one. A 2012 study from the University of Cambridge, UK, found that rheumatoid arthritis patients who consumed omega-3 on a regular basis reduced major rheumatic symptoms including ‘joint swelling and pain’, ‘duration of morning stiffness’, and ‘pain and disease activity’ It can be seen that was observed. Based on these studies, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) in the United States announced that Omega 3 may help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega 3 and side effects
But there are also side effects. NCCIH said omega-3 has been proven to be helpful in relieving symptoms of rheumatism, but warns that it can affect blood clotting and ‘must be taken with a professional’s help’. The American College of Rheumatology also acknowledges the effect of omega 3 on improving rheumatism, but warns that it may take several months to see the effect, and may expose you to various side effects such as gastrointestinal side effects and heavy metal intake.
In addition, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) said that there are several conflicting studies on the improvement of omega 3 allergy, and caution is needed when taking it. Several past studies have suggested the possibility that taking omega 3 may be helpful in the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.
Help = Hidak Consulting Pharmacist Jun-kyung Joo (Wirye Central Pharmacy)
