8 facts about the effect of omega-3 on the liver — an overview of the benefits and harms

Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids were discovered in 1930. Even then, scientists clearly realized that this component plays a huge role in human metabolism and it was only until the end of the 20th century that they managed to establish all the processes and functions in which unsaturated fatty acids take part. Many of them also affect liver function.

But only recent studies allow us to assess how omega-3 fatty acids are useful for the normal functioning of the liver and the prevention of many pathologies.

So, One study indicates that the use of omega-3 supplements reduces the amount of fat in liver cells in patients suffering from fatty hepatosis . In healthy people, omega-3 reduces the risk of developing this disease by reducing fatty deposits in the liver. Thus, omega-3 can be taken to prevent fatty hepatosis.

Other Research confirms the hepatoprotective properties of omega-3 and their positive effect on the liver.

But at the same time, omega-3 is one of those components that the body does not synthesize on its own, so it can only be obtained from food.

8 beneficial properties of fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids assume bioregulatory, structural, and storage functions. Their main benefits for liver health are as follows:

1. Oxidize certain groups of hormones. Omega-3 is directly involved in metabolic processes with "active" proteins, due to which, for example, glycemic metabolism is indirectly regulated. This has a direct effect on biochemical composition of blood , which allows you to "unload" the liver.
2. Stimulate the breakdown of cholesterol. Omega - 3 contribute blood purification and cholesterol reduction. Moreover, we are talking about low-density cholesterol, which is why blood clots and plaques form in blood vessels. They often enter the liver, disrupt blood circulation through it, which subsequently provokes hepatosis, cirrhosis, and non-infectious hepatitis.
3. Increase insulin sensitivity. This will help to reduce the overall level of sugar in the blood, prevent the exacerbation of type 2 diabetes mellitus, when the body retains at least partially the functionality of insulin production. Doctors also claim that regular consumption of omega-3 prevents the suppression of hormone synthesis by the pancreas.
4. Reduce appetite. This is extremely useful for any diseases of the liver and gastrointestinal tract, when the patient is required to follow strict sparing diets. Only by including omega-3 in the diet can you get rid of 2-3 extra pounds every month without any changes in your traditional diet.
5. Accelerate the absorption of proteins. This property is actively used by bodybuilders when there is a need to quickly build lean muscle mass. But at the same time, the process of deposition of the fatty subcutaneous layer is inhibited. This method of building muscle mass does not have any negative consequences.
6. Slow down and inhibit inflammatory processes. Omega-3 has the property of regulating the synthesis of histamines in the body, lowering their concentration. That is why unsaturated fatty acids are extremely useful for the same hepatitis or gastritis. And thanks to this, the omega-3 property helps to ease the pain of osteoarthritis, arthritis.
7. Slow down the movement of feces through the intestines. This helps to digest food more efficiently and absorb the maximum of micronutrients from it. And it is also an excellent prevention of constipation, diarrhea, and other possible disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Again, do not forget that omega-3 additionally suppresses inflammatory processes in the body.
8. Stimulate the outflow of bile. For a healthy body, this is an extremely useful property. Firstly, this prevents the formation of stones and blockages in the bile ducts, and secondly, a higher concentration of bile optimizes the breakdown of food consumed in the stomach.

Possible harm

In very rare cases, omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, for their benefit, can harm the liver and gastrointestinal tract. They can be harmful in the following cases:

1. Overdose. Omega-3 is broken down and absorbed by the liver. In large quantities, unsaturated fatty acids cause excessive stress on the organ, and at the same time they act irritatingly on the gastrointestinal tract. Overdose is considered more dangerous in the presence of acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
2. Stones in the bile ducts. If there are any, then the choleretic effect of omega-3 will only harm, or even provoke a blockage of those very ducts.
3. Stimulation of bleeding. Omega-3 inhibits the process blood clotting . Accordingly, in the presence of bleeding either in the liver itself (for example, in severe cirrhosis, with echinococcosis), or in the gastrointestinal tract, the inclusion of unsaturated fatty acids will only worsen the patient's condition.

In which diseases are they effective?

In some liver diseases, omega-3 helps to accelerate recovery and generally normalize the patient's condition:

1. Cirrhosis. With this disease, the liver simply ceases to fully perform its direct functions, all this is complemented by the inflammatory process. Omega-3 in small amounts will slow down the course of the disease, as well as the destruction of liver cells (by inhibiting the oxidation process). That's just the dosage of unsaturated fatty acids is prescribed less than usual – it is recommended to follow the instructions of the attending physician.
2. Hepatitis. Due to the anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3, it will be extremely useful for hepatitis of any etiology. But this is relevant only in the initial stages of the disease, that is, when the liver almost fully retains its functionality.
3. Fatty hepatosis. In this disease, liver cells are replaced by fatty ones, most often due to chronic obesity. Omega-3 helps to reduce appetite, stimulate the breakdown of fats, therefore, in the initial stages of the disease it helps not only to slow down hepatosis, but also to get rid of it completely.

The main sources of omega-3

Many doctors recommend taking omega-3 in the form of fish oil – it contains the most unsaturated fatty acids.

You can simply include fatty fish varieties in your daily diet. Which fish should I choose? It is best to eat salmon &8212; it can be eaten even in the presence of certain liver diseases.

You can also take fish oil in the form of capsules, a dietary supplement (sold in any pharmacies and specialty stores).

Only high-quality fish oil should be used. If this is a pharmacy drug, you should definitely check for certification for it. Heavy metals, including mercury, are often found in cheap fish oil, which is extremely dangerous for the liver. It's the same with fish – you should only use high-quality fish.

Check out the rest of the sources in the picture:

If for some reason fish oil is contraindicated (some people have an acute allergic reaction to it), then its can be replaced with linseed oil . It can be used for salad dressing, but not for frying. And it is food-grade linseed oil that should be consumed.

Daily rate

Regarding the dosage of omega-3, the recommended dosage for an adult is only 1.2 – 1.7 grams per day, the maximum permissible is 7 grams. In the presence of any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, it is reduced to 0.6 - 1 grams per day.

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Conclusion

In total, omega-3 fatty acids are an extremely important substance for the gastrointestinal tract and liver, helping to accumulate micronutrients, digest food more efficiently, and also inhibit the course of inflammatory processes. But before starting to take unsaturated fatty acids, it is still necessary to consult a doctor, even better – to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.