We recently learned from the Gluten Summit that NCGSs are particularly prone to inflammation. As part of that, I have been reviewing our anti-inflammatory supplements and foods.
I saw this interesting report this morning from LEF on fish and fish oil supplements and their effects on inflammation:
Meta-analysis affirms association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and lower markers of inflammation
The researchers did a meta-analysis of relevant studies and basically found that fish had some effect in that eating it reduced one of the inflammation markers, but that fish oil supplements reduced the three main markers they were studying more effectively.
They concluded that fish oil supplementation should be recommended for both the treatment and prevention of inflammatory disease:
“Our findings provide a scientific guide for nutritional therapy of inflammation-related chronic diseases…..Consecutive long-term supplementation of marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids is recommended. Our present studies also suggest that marine-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation can effectively prevent inflammation-related chronic diseases considering its significant lowering effect on CRP, IL-6 and TNF-a in healthy subjects.”
Seems a bit of both might be the best idea.
Update: Interesting study here suggests that EPA, rather than DHA in fish oils (not flax or other veggie versions) specifically aids depression via some form of anti-inflammatory action: