Knowledge of genetics is fundamental to understanding what defines us as a species and, above all, as individuals. In this case, we will focus on omega-3 requirements.
Currently, thanks to new molecular techniques such as DNA analysis and advances in science and the publication of scientific studies related to genetics , we now have the possibility of reaching an unprecedented level of self-knowledge. In addition,
the boom in connected devices (wearables) that allow us to measure almost any signal from our body , such as step count, or the recent emergence of at-home blood testing companies, shows that the way we care for our health is undergoing a profound transformation.
For all these reasons, we understand that the present and future of health must be able to analyse and manage large volumes of data inherent to each person, including analysis of our genome, in order to understand our genetic predisposition to certain conditions and therefore stay one step ahead and improve our quality of life. Achieving personalised health is key to overall wellbeing; anticipation.
The importance of self-knowledge and omega-3 requirements
Let us imagine that we are unaware that we have a genetic predisposition to an increased inflammatory response due to the presence of genetic mutations in the IL-6 gene, which encodes a pro-inflammatory cytokine whose elevated blood levels are considered a risk factor in cardiovascular disease. By studying genetic variants in this and other genes related to inflammatory processes, we could counteract these effects through actionable recommendations, such as possible supplementation or changes in dietary habits.
How much omega-3 do you need and which type?
A powerful and well-studied anti-inflammatory agent is omega-3. Through genetics, we can determine how much omega-3 you need and which type — from plant or animal sources. Omega-3 is a type of polyunsaturated fat that provides protection against chronic inflammatory states, is also necessary to strengthen neurons6, and offers major benefits for the cardiovascular system, as well as helping to prevent diabetes or cancer3, among other important functions.
When inflammation appears, it is actually our immune system responding strategically to damage in the body. Our immune cells attack invading bacteria or viruses, remove damaged tissue and initiate a repair process. This can occur due to infectious, chemical or mechanical causes, such as a contusion or external injury.
This response is therefore a natural event and not harmful in itself — on the contrary, it is necessary. The problem arises when this alarm state does not subside or is triggered by internal causes such as obesity. In these cases, inflammatory parameters remain elevated and become chronic. When this happens, despite its defensive role, the immune system can end up causing harm.
Other data inherent to each individual, which inform us about their current state, are biochemical parameters, widely used in medicine through blood tests. There are inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, which increases in response to inflammation, as well as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
What about the Mediterranean diet and omega-3?
Based on all this information, it is reasonable to think that following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in omega-3 would provide a good proportion of these anti-inflammatory polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the reality is that a non-personalised Mediterranean diet combined with poor dietary habits is reflected in a study published in Progress in Lipid Research, which analysed 298 studies to create a global map of omega-3 levels — specifically EPA and DHA — across regions worldwide. Despite the Mediterranean diet, countries such as France, Greece and Spain showed levels considered low, below the recommended 4–6%.
Taking into account the low natural intake of omega-3 and individual differences, this highlights the need for self-knowledge through the study of our own data — such as genetic and biochemical information — in order to truly benefit from the properties of these essential fatty acids.
Bibliographic references
1. Dunn J, Runge R, Snyder M. Wearables and the medical revolution. Per Med. 2018;15(5):429-448. doi:10.2217/pme-2018-0044
2. González-Castro TB, Hernández-Díaz Y, Pérez-Hernández N, et al. Interleukin 6 (rs1800795) gene polymorphism is associated with cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis of 74 studies with 86,229 subjects. EXCLI J. 2019;18:331-355. doi:10.17179/excli2019-1248
3. Schwab U, Lauritzen L, Tholstrup T, et al. Effect of the amount and type of dietary fat on cardiometabolic risk factors and risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer: a systematic review. Food Nutr Res. 2014;58:25145. doi:10.3402/fnr.v58.25145
4. Saini RK, Keum YS. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Dietary sources, metabolism, and significance. Life Sci. 2018;203:255-267.
5. Yates CM, Calder PC, Ed Rainger G. Pharmacology and therapeutics of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in chronic inflammatory disease. Pharmacol Ther. 2014;141(3):272-282.
6. Simonetto M, et al. A novel anti-inflammatory role of omega-3 PUFAs in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2279.
7. Lapić I, et al. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in acute inflammation. Am J Clin Pathol. 2020;153(1):14-29.
8. Stark KD, et al. Global survey of omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream of healthy adults. Progress in Lipid Research. 2016;63:132-152.
