Beneficial n-3 PUFA Levels and n-6:n-3 ratios after n-3 supplementation associated with reduced CRP: A pilot study in young adults

Abstract

Background: Persistent systemic inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of many chronic conditions such as CVD. Western diets containing considerably higher levels of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) relative to n-3 PUFAs have been associated with proinflammatory activity at molecular and cellular levels. Conversely, lower n-6:n-3 ratios have been linked with less inflammatory activity and improvements in chronic inflammatory conditions. Interestingly, however, correlations between PUFA intake and inflammation have been studied less in young adults, who would benefit significantly from interventions designed to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases associated with unremitting inflammation. Purpose: To determine associations between plasma PUFA levels and CRP, a biomarker of systemic inflammation, in young adults, and if n-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) supplementation is correlated with rising n-3 PUFA concentrations and decreasing n-6 :n-3 ratios. Sample: 18 healthy young adults in Central Ohio aged 18-45 years. Methods: The current study used saliva collected in the parent study evaluating effects of n-3 supplementation on wound healing to quantify CRP in the young adult sample. Then, a descriptive correlational design was used to assess relationships between plasma PUFA levels determined in the parent study after 4 weeks of supplementation with either 1.6 g/d EPA and 1.2 g/d DHA or placebo and CRP levels. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between CRP and total n-3 PUFAs (tau-β = -0.373, p = 0.031) and a positive correlation between CRP and n-6:n-3 ratios that approached significance (tau-β = 0.320, p = 0.063). Those who received n-3 supplementation had significantly higher concentrations of total n-3 PUFAs and significantly lower n-6:n-3 ratios (p < 0.001) compared to placebo group. Conclusions: Beneficial plasma levels of n-3 PUFAs and n-6:n-3 ratios achieved after 4 weeks of n-3 oral supplementation were associated with lower CRP levels in young adults. Nursing interventions that emphasize the benefits of food choices or dietary supplementation to reduce systemic inflammation may be considered for the young adult population.