OMEGA-3 FATS, SUCH AS DHA AND EPA

What are omega-3 fats?

Omega-3 fats are polyunsaturated fatty acids found in foods like fish and flaxseed. They can also be obtained from supplements, such as fish oil capsules [^[1]]. Omega-3s can also be found in some plant sources, such as flaxseed [^[2]].

Two types of omega-3 fats that have beneficial properties for Long COVID are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) [^[3]]. Because they have anti-inflammatory properties, they might be relevant to immune dysfunction and inflammation inherent in Long COVID.

What do omega-3 fats do in the body?

Omega-3s have anti-platelet effects and can lower the levels of fibrinogen, thrombin, and factor V, proteins involved in clotting [^[4]].

Omega-3s are also well-known for being anti-inflammatory, especially those from EPA and DHA. They also have anti-clotting properties [^[5]]. The omega-3s in fish oil have been found to reduce disease activity in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions and reduce the need for anti-inflammatory drugs [^[3]].

Omega-3 fats, especially EPA, have shown promise in treating mood disorders by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine activity, acting on the HPA axis, and regulating neurotransmitters [^[7]].

How can omega-3 fats help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Omega-3 fats’ anti-clotting properties can be useful for Long COVID patients, who are at greater risk of clotting events due to cellular death and debris, which lead to thickening of blood and “brain fog” [^[8]]. Omega-3’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help reduce inflammation in Long COVID patients.

Omega-3s can improve Long-Term COVID by treating brain damage and inflammation (including brain inflammation), reducing long-term central nervous system damage, and repairing oxidative stress due to cytokine storms and blood clotting.