Higher Omega-3 Intake Associated With Lower Levels of Inflammation in Men

C-reactive protein is a protein made by the liver. CRP levels in the blood increase when there is a condition causing inflammation somewhere in the body. According to a new study, higher intakes of omega-3’s may be linked to lower levels of C-reaction protein in males.

Participants in the study included 4,804 adults with an average age of 69 who took part in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Omega-3 intake was evaluated using a 24-hour recall diary. Participants were divided into 4 groups based on the ratio of omega-3 intake to calorie intake. C-reactive protein levels were measured.

Male participants with the highest omega-3 intake were found to have the lowest levels of C-reactive protein. Those with the lowest levels of omega-3 intake were nearly twice as likely to have high C-reactive protein levels (with high levels defined as a reading greater than 3.0mg/dL).  No significant difference was seen for female participants.

The study was conducted by researchers from Gachon University.It was published online ahead of print on January 13, 2021 in the journal Nutrients.