Fish Oil May Reduce Damage From Air Pollution

According to a study from the Mexican National Institute of Public Health, fish oil is more than two times the potency of soy oil when it comes to reducing free radical damage to the body caused by pollution. When as little as 2.5 micrometers particles of air pollution is exposed to the body, it can prevent antioxidant enzymes from acting as a protectant in our body. Research has shown that supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can work against the damage caused by pollutants. In the study one group received 2 grams of soy oil and the other fish oil daily. The group that was given the fish oil “received 5 times the amount of omega-3.” The researcher went on to say that, “The fact that fish oil appears to be more effective against oxidative stress related to PM2.5 exposure... than soy oil suggests the small amount of [omega-3 fatty acids]... in soy oil might be insufficient to protect against the adverse effects of PM2.5 exposure." The study did contain some flaws such as data not showing changes that may have taken place in the subjects before and after supplementation. In addition, the study failed to show the “chemical composition of the capsules.” The subjects who were a part of the study lived in a high-polluted area of Mexico (Mexico City) and the level of pollution was PM2.5 indoors and out. The 52 subjects were 76 years of age and lived in a nursing home. There was no placebo group and “the subjects acted as their own controls.” The study went on to reveal the “activity for one enzyme, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase, increased 49 percent for those taking fish oil and 23 percent for those taking soy oil. Another enzyme, glutathione, increased 62 percent in the fish oil group and 55 percent in the soy oil group, according to the study.” Still the researchers say the soy oil group reported no changes. On the other hand, the fish oil group saw over 70% decrease. The research is somewhat promising and will be further investigated using a larger population, according to the researchers.

In closing, it does not hurt to supplement your diet with fish oil or eating fish a few times a week. What we do know is fish oil decreases triglycerides and possibly the chance of stroke and heart disease. It may also act as an anti-inflammatory; increases eye moisture for dry eyes, ADHA and reduce high blood pressure, raynaud's syndrome and hardening of the arteries.