Omega-3 fatty acids and oral and systemic inflammation: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND

Given the recognized link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular conditions, the authors tested whether omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), could reduce key inflammatory markers.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis, 240 patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing statin therapy were randomized to receive 3.36 g/d of EPA and DHA (test group) or no supplementation (control group) for 30 months. Of these, 199 patients had gingival crevicular fluid collected in the maxillary left and right quadrants. Oral and systemic inflammatory markers were compared.

RESULTS

The EPA and DHA group had significantly lower gingival crevicular fluid levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β in the left quadrant (P = .038) and a lower systemic neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (P = .021) than the control group. The authors hypothesized that handedness may account for the localized anti-inflammatory effect in the left quadrant because right-handed people have better plaque removal on the left side.

CONCLUSIONS

EPA and DHA supplementation lowered oral and systemic inflammation, potentially contributing to improved periodontal health and reducing cardiovascular risk. The site-specific difference may be influenced by means of handedness or toothbrushing behavior and warrants further investigation.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Supplementation with EPA and DHA can complement mechanical oral hygiene. Recommending powered toothbrushes may eliminate handedness-related differences, providing a more uniform anti-inflammatory effect alongside EPA and DHA supplementation. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The registration number is NCT01624727.