When scientists added a specific type of omega-3 fat (DHA) to blood vessel cells in a dish, it made them release a little more of a helpful molecule (nitric oxide) that keeps blood vessels relaxed, but didn’t change a harmful molecule (peroxynitrite) — and this effect was smaller than what another omega-3 fat (EPA) does.

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Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

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Community contributions welcome

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Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have distinct effects on endothelial fatty acid content and nitric oxide bioavailability

Cross-Sectional Study

In Vitro

2021 Oct

The study found that DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, boosts nitric oxide by 12% but doesn’t change peroxynitrite — just like the claim said. It also showed EPA does more than DHA, which matches the claim’s comparison.

Contradicting (0)

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No contradicting evidence found

Gold Standard Evidence Needed

According to GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this specific claim, ordered from strongest to weakest evidence.

Source Study

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have distinct effects on endothelial fatty acid content and nitric oxide bioavailability

Score: 6

DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102337

Similar Assertions

When scientists added a type of omega-3 fatty acid called EPA to blood vessel cells in a dish, the cells made more of a helpful molecule (nitric oxide) and less of a harmful one (peroxynitrite), which might help keep blood vessels healthier and less inflamed.

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85%

When scientists added a small amount of a common fatty acid (arachidonic acid) to blood vessel cells in a dish, it didn’t change the levels of two key molecules involved in cell stress and signaling—so it seems this fatty acid doesn’t mess with the cell’s internal balance under these specific conditions.

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77%

Omega-3 fats from fish, called EPA and DHA, help your blood vessels relax and stay flexible by boosting a natural chemical (nitric oxide) that opens up arteries and reduces harmful stress in your body.

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76%