The beneficial effects of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acid supplementation on red blood cell rheology

Twenty healthy, non-smoking subjects were enrolled into a study to investig ate the effects of dietary supplementation with essential fatty acid (EFAs) on red blood cell rheology. Ten subjects were given 3 months dietary suppl ementation with long chain polyunsaturated EFAs containing omega-3 and omeg a-6 EFAs while 10 others were given placebo (sunflower oil). Venous samplin g was performed at 0 and 12 weeks and red blood cell (RBC) aggregation and deformability measured by a filtration system. The results showed a reducti on in RBC aggregation in the group given omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs but not i n the placebo group. This may be related to changes in the RBC membrane and surface receptor characteristics. Such EFAs may be useful in Raynaud's phe nomenon.