Omega-3 as anti-Covid supplement has no scientific basis

KABUL (Pajhwok): A number of social media and internet pages claim the use of Omega-3 is effective in treating the coronavirus, but medical experts insist there is no scientific basis for this assertion.

Iranian media outlet Pana reported: “Recovered from Covid-19, use Omega-3”.

The report said: “The director of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Industry Research says the use of Omega-3 is effective for individuals who have recovered from Covid-19 as it reduces inflammation in patients.”

According to the source, due to neurological and psychological problems, coronavirus patients should take 500-250 mg of Omega-3 daily through diet or supplements.

The DW Farsi radio internet page published an article titled: “Omega-3 alleviates the flow of Covid-19 disease.

“Omega 3 is one type of a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA), which is classified as an essential fatty acid. It consists of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).10

Since it is an essential fatty acid, Omega 3 can only be obtained from food sources, such as canola oil, seeds, green vegetables, and nuts containing ALA and marine fish and fish oil that consume microalgae containing EPA and DHA. Additionally, Omega-3 can be obtained from supplements.”

“11 Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits. EPA and DHA are important components that play a role in modulating immune function and regulating the inflammatory response.”

“Shabaka-i-Salamati” an internet page, published a report titled: “Is Omega-3 effective in treating Covid-19?”

The network also shared a video clip which said Omega-3 fatty acid were the same fatty acids found in fish and soy, these acids are not harmful but could be more than that.

In this video, people are recommended the use of Omega-3 fatty acids, because so much research has been done on how Omega-3 fatty acids can be used to reduce inflammation caused by viruses.

The video added that Omega-3 could control the flu and inflammation caused by the virus.

The source said the coronavirus was similar to the cold and flu virus in terms of inflammation. Therefore, this acid could be effective in treating Covid-19.

Another website “World of Economics” published an article titled: “Protect your body against coronavirus with this advice.”

One of the key factors is protein, which is essential for the functioning of the immune system and it is recommended to use low-fat dairy, a variety of meats such as red and white meat, due to its high Omega-3, fish oil reduced inflammation in the body and it is better to eat it twice a week.

IRNA, another Iranian media outlet, also reported: “Higher levels of Omega-3 in the blood reduce the risk of death from coronavirus.”

But media experts say that Omega-3 pills have not been proved to be effective in treating the coronavirus.

Dr. Baz Mohammad Sherzad, a former advisor to the Ministry of Public Health, told Pajhwok Afghan News the use of multivitamins, Omega-3, probiotics or vitamin-D supplements may reduce the risk of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test.

According to him, research studies have been conducted in several countries by medical institutes, and all of them prove Omega-3 and other vitamins play an important role in raising the body’s immunity.

Dr. Mohammad Basir Khyber, internal medicine specialist at the Mazar-i-Sharif Hospital, said the coronavirus caused blood clots.

Therefore, Omega-3 was recommended for the people suffering from Covid to prevent the blood from clotting, he explained.

Dr. Javed Hajir, spokesman for the Ministry of Public Health, said the effectiveness of Omega-3 had not been proven by the WHO and doctors could not declare them an anti-Covid supplement.

“However, Omega-3 can strengthen the immune system and reduce the severity of the disease in people with disease. But it cannot be an anti-Covid drug at all.”

“Omega-3 is a strong fatty acid, can be very effective to the body, brain, bone, joint health, cardiovascular disease, prevention of fetal cancer during pregnancy and for various disease,”

sa/mud