Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Key for Immune System and Metabolic Health

Introduction

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, are essential nutrients found in fatty fish, flaxseed, or walnuts. A recent publication in Frontiers in Nutrition (Nunes et al., 2023) sheds light on their role in what is known as immunometabolism – the interface between the immune system and metabolism. But how do these fatty acids affect health and disease, and why are they so relevant from the perspective of Jürg Hösli's psychophysiological interaction model?

What does the research say?

The authors Nunes, Yamazaki, and de Brito show in their editorial that omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties and can regulate energy metabolism. Key points of the study:

• Inflammation Reduction: Omega-3 promotes the formation of anti-inflammatory molecules (resolvins, protectins) that curb chronic inflammation – a risk factor for many diseases.
• Metabolic Balance: They improve insulin sensitivity and support mitochondrial function, which optimizes energy metabolism.
• Immune Modulation: Omega-3 influences immune cells such as macrophages and thus regulates the immune response.

The authors emphasize that an imbalance in immunometabolism – for example, due to chronic stress or malnutrition – can lead to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or autoimmune diseases. Omega-3 could serve as a preventive and therapeutic intervention here.

Connection to the psychophysiological interaction model

In Jürg Hösli's psychophysiological interaction model, psyche, body, nutrition, and performance are in close interaction. Omega-3 fatty acids work at several interfaces here:

• Psyche-Body Axis: Chronic inflammation, which is reduced by omega-3, affects the cortisol axis and thus stress reactions. An anti-inflammatory diet can promote the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems (autonomic nervous system).
• Metabolic Bottlenecks: Omega-3 supports mitochondrial function – a central point in Hösli's approach, as energy bottlenecks are often exacerbated by stress or micronutrient deficiencies.
• Individualized Nutrition: Not everyone benefits equally from omega-3. Personality types and stress processing influence how the body reacts to nutrients – an aspect Hösli considers in nutritional planning.

Practical relevance: What does this mean for everyday life?

The study results show that omega-3 fatty acids are more than just a “healthy fat” – they are a tool for prevention and balance. Concrete recommendations for action:

• Adjust your diet: Incorporate 2-3 servings of fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel) per week or opt for plant-based sources such as flaxseed oil (approx. 1 tbsp daily).
• Pay attention to stress management: Omega-3 works particularly well in conjunction with effective stress management.