Omega Polyunsaturated Fats in Inflammation | Philip Calder | Episode 291

Send us Fan MailHow dietary fatty acids regulate the initiation, propagation, and resolution of inflammation.TOPICS DISCUSSED:Parenteral nutrition history: IV nutrition evolved from soybean oil alone in the 1960s to complex blends including fish oil as the biology of ω-3s became understood.Three phases of inflammation: Initiation, propagation (driven by ω-6–derived prostaglandins and leukotrienes), and active resolution (driven by ω-3-derived resolvins and protectins).Pro-resolving mediators: Resolution is an active biological process, not passive; EPA and DHA generate resolvins and protectins that actively terminate inflammation.Aspirin’s ω-3 mechanism: Aspirin inhibits arachidonic acid metabolism but allows EPA/DHA to access COX-2, upregulating pro-resolution mediators — a likely underappreciated mechanism of action.Cell membrane competition: EPA and DHA physically displace arachidonic acid in membranes, shifting the balance of mediators produced and improving resolution capacity.Linoleic acid & EPA synthesis: High linoleic acid intake saturates shared desaturase enzymes, inhibiting the body’s conversion of ALA to EPA — meaning reducing ω-6 can raise ω-3 levels without supplementation.Dose & timing of ω-3 incorporation: ~2g/day of EPA+DHA shifts the arachidonic acid-to-EPA ratio enough to measurably reduce prostaglandin E2 production; white blood cells reflect changes within a month.ABOUT THE GUEST: Philip Calder, PhD is Professor of Nutritional Immunology in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton. His research focuses on how dietary fatty acids — particularly omega-3s — modulate immune responses and inflammatory processes across clinical and healthy populations.RELATED EPISODE:M&M 200: Dietary Fats & Seed Oils in Inflammation, Colon Cancer & Chronic Disease | Tim Yeatman & Ganesh HaladeSupport the showHealth Products by M&M Partners:AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models.OmegaQuant: At-home blood testing to see fatty acid profiles, including omega-3 fatty acids. Use link to see options and support M&M.SiPhox Health: Comprehensive, cost-effective bloodwork from the comfort of home. Use code TRIKOMES for 20% off.KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime)SporesMD: Premium mushrooms products (gourmet mushrooms, nootropics, research). Use code 'nickjikomes' for 20% off.For all the ways you can support my efforts