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EDINBURGH, Scotland--Researchers from the University of Edinburgh conducted an animal experiment to examine the theory that the omega-3 eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) may have general immunosuppressive effects that could be detrimental to overall health (Nutrition, 21, 5:588-93, 2005). Mice consuming a fat-free diet were supplemented with corn oil or pure EPA to make up 5 percent of the final diet weight. There were no differences in food consumption or weight gain over the course of the trial.
At the end of 10 and 24 days, the animals fed EPA showed an increase in production of tumor necrosis factor in vitro when stimulated by lipopolysaccharide; however there was no difference in ex vivo polysaccharide-stimulated induction of interleukin-6, another cytokine. In addition, the animals fed EPA showed decreases in splenocytes only in response to certain cytokines. The researchers concluded administration of 10 g of EPA per kg of body weight subtly affects immune function, which they suggest explains its ability to help benefit inflammatory conditions without causing detrimental affects to antigen-specific immune response.
Source: Nutrilearn.com web site
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