Discuss the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of Essay - 1

Discuss the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of inflammatory diseases - Essay Example Human beings require polyunsaturated fatty acids for survival. This may come in the form of Omega 3 or Omega 6. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and Omega 6 fatty acids often compete with one another in the body even though Omega 3 has more beneficial health benefits than the latter. Most western diets contain more Omega 6 fatty acids than Omega 3. It is for this reason that when compared to their Eastern counterparts, Westerners have high incidences of inflammatory disorders. Eskimos have little to no reports of autoimmune and inflammation-related disorders owing to their omega 3- rich diet. The latter community consumes plenty of sea food, which is a reliable source of Omega 3. The western diet currently lacks stipulated levels of omega 3. Most of it is dominated by omega 6 in ratios of 15 to 1 instead of 1:1 (Simopoulos, 2006). Evolution necessitates a relatively high amount of omega 3 in the diet but commercial and cultural patterns contradict this pattern. Omega 3 works to reduce inflammation in the body through a series of actions. As a soon a person takes fish or eats fish, the EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid- an Omega 3 PUFA) minimises the release of prostaglandin metabolites. It also reduces the level of strong platelet aggregators in the blood. This causes the minimisation of leukotreine, which induces inflammation in the body. Furthermore, the acid also works by increasing the level of weak platelet aggregators (Simopoulos, 2006). Once a person increases their consumption of fish oil, they tend to report decreased levels of cholesterol as well as low amounts of triglycerides. These confer anti-inflammatory benefits to the host. EPAs in the body work to replace omega 6 acid in all cells of the body. However, particular attention is given to liver cells, monocytes, erythrocytes, neutrophils and platelets. Cell