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Review
. 2010 Jul;26(3):501-14, ix.
doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2010.04.009.

Fish oil in critical illness: mechanisms and clinical applications

Renee D Stapleton  1 , Julie M Martin, Konstantin Mayer
Affiliations
Review

Fish oil in critical illness: mechanisms and clinical applications

Renee D Stapleton et al. Crit Care Clin. 2010 Jul.

Abstract

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be beneficial in multiple disease states that involve an inflammatory process. It is now hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids may decrease the inflammatory response and be beneficial in critical illness. After a review of the mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation, research using enteral nutrition formulas and parenteral nutrition lipid emulsions fortified with fish oil were examined. The results of this research to date are inconclusive for both enteral and parenteral omega-3 fatty acid administration. More research is required before definitive recommendations can be made on fish oil supplementation in critical illness.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Eicosanoids Derived from Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. AA, arachidonic acid; COX, cycloxygenase; DHA, docosahexanoic acid; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid; LOX, lipoxygenase; LT, leukotriene; PG, prostaglandin; TX, thromboxane.
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