High Omega-3 Index Associated With Lower Systemic Inflammation

Neutrophils and lymphocytes are types of white blood cells that help the body fight infection. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio reflects the balance between systemic inflammation and immunity, with a high ratio indicating systemic inflammation. A new study has found an inverse association between the omega-3 index and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.

Researchers from the University of South Dakota and Tufts University analyzed 28,871 blood samples for their study. They evaluated the omega-3 index and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for each blood sample.

The researchers found that higher omega-3 levels were associated with a lower neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Specifically, an omega-3 index higher than 6.6% was associated a low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, indicating a well-balanced immune system and low levels of inflammation.

A previous study found that a higher omega-3 index may be associated with lower triglyceride levels.

The study was published in the February, 2022 edition of the journal Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids.