Omega-3 DHA May Lower ACE2 Levels and Block SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry in Lab Studies
This laboratory study looked at how omega-3 fatty acids affect ACE2, a protein on cell surfaces that the SARS-CoV-2 virus uses to enter cells. Researchers tested docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and the plant-based omega-3 ALA in rats, human kidney and blood vessel cells, and human blood plasma.
DHA, and in some cases EPA, reduced levels of both ACE1 and ACE2 proteins in heart, blood vessel, and kidney tissue from obese rats, as well as in human cell lines grown in the lab. ALA did not have this effect. When human kidney cells were treated with DHA, it reduced the ability of a lab-made SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus to enter the cells.
Interestingly, when people took DHA or ALA supplements, this did not change the amount of ACE2 found floating in their blood plasma, suggesting the effect seen in cells and tissues may not directly translate to changes in circulating ACE2 levels.
What this means for you
This early-stage lab and animal research suggests DHA omega-3 may influence a cell-surface protein linked to how SARS-CoV-2 enters cells, but this doesn’t mean fish oil supplements prevent or treat COVID-19. Human supplementation did not change blood ACE2 levels, so more research is needed before drawing conclusions about real-world effects in people.
Ready to start? The ALP Protocol delivers the EPA & DHA doses used in the research.
Start the ALP ProtocolSource
International journal of molecular sciences · 2022-11-10 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213825
Read the original source ↗This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.