Countless studies have shown that omega-3s play an important role in support brain health, heart health and a number of other areas of well-being. However, few scientific investigations have been able to provide satisfying answers to the question of how these nutrients deliver these benefits.
Now, a team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego, is saying they may have found the answer. They claim their study, which examined the action of omega-3s in mouse cells, is the first to explain in detail the chemical processes that result in support for cardiovascular and neurological health.
The findings do far more than simply answer a question of burning scientific curiosity in the scientific community. The researchers said their findings could be used to develop new treatments for some relatively intractable health problems.
In the study, the researchers supplemented mouse diets with high levels of omega-3s. They found that these nutrients suppressed levels of hormones that signal inflammatory processes.
"There have been tons of epidemiological studies linking health benefits to omega-3 oils, but not a lot of deep science," said lead researcher Edward A. Dennis. "This is the first comprehensive study of what fish oils actually do inside a cell."
Aside from potentially leading to the development of new medications, findings from the study could be used to provide a scientific justification for omega-3 supplementation. This may help to get more people to use such products.
In the meantime, the findings help to resolve an enduring scientific debate. The results provide evidence for the first time of exactly what happens in cells when they are exposed to omega-3 fatty acids.
