Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Last review completed on
February 7th, 2021

One of the main causes of death in patients with COVID-19 is multiorgan failure due to the immune system going into overdrive and causing a cytokine storm. Omega-3 is known to produce less pre-inflammatory cytokines. Theoretically increasing the intake of omega-3 could promote better immune function and potentially decrease the severity of the immune response in those diagnosed with COVID-19.

Recommendation

Not recommended due to a lack of any completed clinical trials.

Level of Evidence
= Supporting use article = Neutral Article  = Contradicting use article

Step 1 - In vitro SARS CoV-1/2 and MERS-CoV Step 2 - In vivo MERS-CoV Step 3 - In vivo SARS CoV-2

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Current clinical trials

  1. “COVID-19 Anosmia Study”
  2. “Cod Liver Oil for Covid-19 Prevention Study”
  3. “The Effect of Omega -3 Supplements on the Serum Levels of ACE/ACE2 Ratio as a Potential Key in Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19; A Randomized Clinical Trial in the Covid-19 Uninfected Jordanian People”
  4. “Omega-3, Nigella Sativa, Indian Costus, Quinine, Anise Seed, Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice, Artemisinin, Febrifugine on Immunity of Patients With (COVID-19)”
  5. “Resolving Inflammatory Storm in COVID-19 Patients by Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids”
Adjunctive therapy