The beneficial effects of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acid supplementation on red blood cell rheology.
Twenty healthy, non-smoking subjects were enrolled into a study to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with essential fatty acid (EFAs) on red blood cell rheology. Ten subjects were given 3 months dietary supplementation with long chain polyunsaturated EFAs containing omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs while 10 others were given placebo (sunflower oil). Venous sampling was performed at 0 and 12 weeks and red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and deformability measured by a filtration system. The results showed a reduction in RBC aggregation in the group given omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs but not in the placebo group. This may be related to changes in the RBC membrane and surface receptor characteristics. Such EFAs may be useful in Raynaud's phenomenon.
Ho
M
M
University Department of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
Maple
C
C
Bancroft
A
A
McLaren
M
M
Belch
J J
JJ
D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004903:Erythrocyte Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D004907:Erythrocyte Deformability / Q000187:drug effects; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D018056:Hemorheology / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D010919:Placebos