Fish Oil Found to Help Critical ICU Patients

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Fish Oil Found to Help Critical ICU Patients

 

Clinical trial's results fit the known properties of omega-3s, and

affirm prior research on omega-3s in post-surgical patients and

premature babies

by Craig Weatherby

-------------

British and Portuguese researchers report the encouraging results of a

clinical trial in which they tested intravenous (IV) fish oil in

patients suffering from sepsis. Sepsis is a very serious illness in

which the immune system goes into overdrive, potentially causing

crippling or fatal damage to patients organs. The results suggest that

by adding fish oil to IV feeding formulas, hospitals can alleviate

symptoms of sepsis among their intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and

shorten their stays. Research performed at several European universities

has indicated that omega-3s can help patients undergoing major surgery

(see Surgical benefits seen, below). Key Points

- Clinical trial finds that IV omega-3s benefit ICU patients with

life-threatening sepsis.

- Results fit with known properties of omega-3s, and with prior research

on omega-3s given to post-surgical patients and premature babies.

- Standard IV formulas are made from plant oils high in omega-6 fats,

and are proven to promote inflammation and long-term liver damage.

  And U.S. studies show that omega-3s can protect the livers of

premature babies getting intravenous (IV) nutrition see Preemies have

been saved, below. The new UK-Portuguese findings add ICU care to the

list of potential uses for omega-3-enhanced medical nutrition.

Critically ill patients with sepsis benefited from IV omega-3s

Researchers from the University of Southampton worked with a hospital in

Portugal to conduct a randomized, controlled trial in 23 ICU patients

with sepsis (Barbosa VM et al. 2010). The study was led by Philip

Calder, Ph.D., a professor of nutritional immunology at Britains

University of Southampton, and a prominent researcher into omega-3s and

inflammation. The patients were randomly assigned to receive one of two

intravenous nutrition formulas for five days following their admission

to the ICU:

- A standard, 50:50 misture of medium-chain fatty acids and soybean oil.

- An experimental mixture providing medium-chain fatty acids (50

percent), soybean oil (40 percent) and fish oil (10 percent). The

British-Portuguese team found that the group receiving the test formula

containing 10 percent fish oil had better gas exchange in the lungs,

compared with the group receiving standard IV formula. (In other words,

the fish oil group enjoyed enhanced transfer of oxygen from inhaled air

into the blood, and enhanced transfer of carbon dioxide from the blood

into exhaled air.) Intravenous fish oil also reduced production of the

inflammatory chemicals produced by the immune system during sepsis,

excess amounts of which can lead to blood clots and organ failure. And,

the patients given fish oil left the hospital earlier than those who

received traditional nutrition. As Calder said in a press release, The

results of this study are very encouraging, because they suggest a way

that the condition of these very sick patients can be improved. (UOS

2010) He went on to explain why standard, vegetable-oil-based IV

formulas can be unhealthful: Traditional solutions use soybean oil,

which does not contain the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil

that act to reduce inflammatory responses. In fact, soybean oil is rich

in omega-6 acids that may actually promote inflammation in an excessive

or unbalanced supply. (UOS 2010) The problem with omega-6-rich IV

formulasSoybean oil and other vegetable oils are high in an omega-6

fatty acid (linoleic acid), which the body uses to make the

pro-inflammatory members of a family of immune-system chemicals called

prostaglandins. In contrast, the long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA) found

in our cell membranes and in fish fat but not in plant foods are

precursors for anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. (This precursor role is

specific to EPA, but the body can easily make EPA from DHA as needed.)

Recently developed experimental IV formulas such as Germanys Omegaven

substitute some of the soybean oil with fish oils, which are naturally

high in long-chain omega-3s (EPA and DHA). Prior research shows that

omega-3-enriched IV formulas reduce oxidative stress and protect

patients liver function while moderating inflammation and immune

responses. Omega-3 benefits seen in preemies and surgical patientsWe

first came across research on IV omega-3s through a 2006 Boston Globe

article concerning the life-saving benefits of omega-3s among premature

babies, many of whom must receive liquid IV nutrition (see Omega-3s May

Save Premies Lives: A Rewarding Response [

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000629301.cfm?x=b7N6sbv,b1kJpvRw,w

.. And researchers at several European universities have found

that omega-3s benefit patients undergoing major surgery. As a German

team wrote three years ago: post-operative parenteral [intravenous]

administration of omega-3-enriched lipid emulsions could have [a

beneficial] impact on the inflammatory response after abdominal surgery

and could be used in standard post-operative care ... (Senkal M et al

2007) For more on that topic, see Omega-3s Enhance Post-Surgery Outcomes

[

http://newsletter.vitalchoice.com/e_article000726115.cfm?x=b76GVyV,b1kJpvRw,w

.. Sources

- Barbosa VM, Miles EA, Calhau C, Lafuente E, Calder PC. Effects of a

fish oil containing lipid emulsion on plasma phospholipid fatty acids,

inflammatory markers, and clinical outcomes in septic patients: a

randomized, controlled clinical trial. Crit Care. 2010 Jan 19;14(1):R5.

[Epub ahead of print]

- Calder PC, Jensen GL, Koletzko BV, Singer P, Wanten GJ. Lipid

emulsions in parenteral nutrition of intensive care patients: current

thinking and future directions. Intensive Care Med. 2010 Jan 14. [Epub

ahead of print]

- Grimm H, Mertes N, Goeters C, Schlotzer E, Mayer K, Grimminger F,

Furst P. Improved fatty acid and leukotriene pattern with a novel lipid

emulsion in surgical patients. Eur J Nutr. 2006 Feb;45(1):55-60. Epub

2005 Jul 22.

- Heller AR, Rossel T, Gottschlich B, Tiebel O, Menschikowski M, Litz

RJ, Zimmermann T, Koch T. Omega-3 fatty acids improve liver and pancreas

function in postoperative cancer patients. Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep

10;111(4):611-6.

- Senkal M, Geier B, Hannemann M, Deska T, Linseisen J, Wolfram G,

Adolph M. Supplementation of {omega}-3 Fatty acids in parenteral

nutrition beneficially alters phospholipid Fatty Acid pattern. JPEN J

Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2007 Jan-Feb;31(1):12-7.

- Senkal M, Haaker R, Linseisen J, Wolfram G, Homann HH, Stehle

P. Preoperative oral supplementation with long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids

beneficially alters phospholipid fatty acid patterns in liver, gut

mucosa, and tumor tissue. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2005

Jul-Aug;29(4):236-40.

- Stehr SN, Heller AR. Omega-3 fatty acid effects on biochemical indices

following cancer surgery. Clin Chim Acta. 2006 Nov;373(1-2):1-8. Epub

2006 May 16. Review.

- University of Southampton (UOS). Research into fish oil suggests

health benefits for seriously ill patients. January 19,

2010. Accessed at

http://www.imakenews.com/eletra/go.cfm?z=vitalchoiceseafood%2C418734%2Cb1h3yfLG%\

2C3743918%2Cbgtjfq6