Low omega-3 index and polyunsaturated fatty acid status in patients with CFS/ME, 2018, Castro-Marerro et al

Andy

Andy

Retired committee member
Highlights
  • •Erythrocyte omega-3 index (5.75%) and n-3 PUFA levels are low in individuals with CFS/ME.
  • •The erythrocyte omega-3 index may be a useful biomarker of overall health, but cut-off points need be validated in the Spanish CFS/ME population.
  • •This study suggests that low EPA + DHA levels may be a risk factor for poor cardiovascular health and pro-inflammatory status in CFS/ME. Understanding the role of omega-3 PUFAs and immunometabolism should be the next step.
  • •Further studies of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in CFS/ME are warranted.
Abstract
Background


Several studies have suggested that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are associated with cardiovascular risk, major depression, sleep problems, inflammation and other health-related issues. So far, however, erythrocyte PUFA status in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) has not been established. This study aimed to determine whether n-3 PUFA content and omega-3 index are associated with measures in CFS/ME patients.

Patients and Methods
PUFA levels and omega-3 index were measured in 31 Spanish CFS/ME patients using the HS-Omega-3 Index method. Demographic and clinical characteristics and self-reported outcome measures were also recorded.

Results
A low mean omega-3 index (5.75%) was observed in 92.6% of the sample. Omega-3 index was inversely correlated with the AA/EPA ratio (p = 0.00002) and the BMI (p = 0.0106). In contrast, the AA/EPA ratio was positively associated with the BMI (p = 0.0038). No association for FIS-40 and PSQI measures was found (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
The low omega-3 index found in our CFS/ME patients may indicate increased risks for cardiovascular health, which should be further investigated. A low omega-3 index also suggests a pro-inflammatory state in these patients. Attempts should be made to increase the omega-3 index in CFS/ME patients, based on intervention trials assessing a potential therapeutic value.
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Paywalled at https://www.plefa.com/article/S0952-3278(18)30053-X/fulltext
 
ABSTRACT
Background:
Several studies have suggested that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs)
including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
are associated with cardiovascular risk, major depression, sleep problems, inflammation and other health-related issues.

So far, however, erythrocyte PUFA status in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) has not been established.

This study aimed to determine whether n-3 PUFA content and omega-3 index are associated with measures in CFS/ME patients.


Patients and Methods:
PUFA levels and omega-3 index were measured in 31 Spanish CFS/ME patients using the HS-Omega-3 Index® method.
Demographic and clinical characteristics and self-reported outcome measures were also recorded.

Results:
A low mean omega-3 index (5.75%) was observed in 92.6% of the sample. Omega-3 index was inversely correlated with the AA/EPA ratio (p=0.00002) and the BMI (p= 0.0106).

In contrast, the AA/EPA ratio was positively associated with the BMI (p= 0.0038). No association for FIS-40 and
PSQI measures was found (p> 0.05).


Conclusion:
The low omega-3 index found in our CFS/ME patients may indicate increased risks for cardiovascular health,
which should be further investigated.

A low omega-3 index also suggests a pro-inflammatory state in these patients.
Attempts should be made to increase the omega-3 index in CFS/ME patients, based on intervention trials assessing a potential
therapeutic value.
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[I put in some paragraphs]
 
@Invisible Woman do you know what was considered 'low'? Do you have a copy of your report?

I noticed a big difference 3 months after supplementing with fish oils. Before supplementing I was forgetting things etc., it had a different 'feel' than the cognitive issues I experience now.
 
Mij said:
@Invisible Woman do you know what was considered 'low'? Do you have a copy of your report?

I noticed a big difference 3 months after supplementing with fish oils. Before supplementing I was forgetting things etc., it had a different 'feel' than the cognitive issues I experience now.
Click to expand...

I should have it around someplace. There were various tests repeated, but they were about 19 years or so ago. I started the supplements after I was diagnosed and while still working. I was in a bit of a mess and it's possible if I'd been further down the line and had stopped work, learned to manage the condition better, I might have noticed something.

I guess I was still at that stage where I was ignoring how things felt and desperately trying to "fake it till you make it" in terms of my health. That didn't work so well.
 
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