Plasma Omega-3 Fatty Acids Before and After Nutritional Therapy

Plasma essential fatty acid (EFA) subclasses were determined in female and male patients with arthritis-like symptoms, healthy volunteers and endurance athletes. Samples were taken before and after nutritional therapy with the antioxidant ubiquinone and vitamin E (Q + E) on their own, or in combination with omega-3 EFAs as a fish oil concentrate (Q + E + n -3). Baseline data showed relatively high omega-6 EFA levels; (Q + E) nutritional therapy elevated predominantly omega-3 EFAs. (Q + E + n -3) caused only a marginal, further plasma eicosapentaenoic (EPA) increase but major effects on the EFA indices. These were linearly related to the estimated dietary EPA intake and might mirror a subsequently reduced risk for arachidonic acid cascade and suppressed inflammations.