Omega-3 Supplementation in Patients with COVID-19 Improves Chances of Survival by 7 Times

Published on April 21, 2021

First RCT of omega-3 supplementation for critically ill COVID-19 patients shows significant increase in one-month survival rates among those receiving omega-3s compared to control

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to be important regulators of inflammation and immune function in chronic disease, with actions such as increasing cell membrane stability, blocking hyper-inflammatory responses, and improving the immune response. We have previously discussed the anti-inflammatory, immune-modulating, and potential antiviral roles of omega-3s and how they may contribute to the prevention of and response to COVID-19 disease, and recently reviewed a pilot study showing a 75% lower risk of death due to COVID-19 among patients with a higher Omega-3 Index.

First Published Randomized Clinical Trial on Omega-3 Supplementation among COVID-19 ICU Patients

A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial by Doaei et al. looked at the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on inflammatory and biochemical markers among COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The study included 128 critically ill patients between the ages of 35 and 85 years old; 42 of the patients received supplementation and 86 did not. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 14 days of intervention, and included markers known to be representative of immune, respiratory, and renal function.

What did the study find?

Click to Enlarge & Print

As shown in the chart above, when looking at the survival rate among both groups, those who were in the omega-3 supplement group had a significantly higher chance of survival at one month; a 21% chance of surviving for those treated with omega-3 supplements compared to only 3% survival for those not receiving omega-3s (p=0.005). That is a 7 times higher chance of surviving for those receiving omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.

Other statistically significant improvements among the supplementation group included higher levels of respiratory function, including arterial pH, bicarbonate (HCO3), and Be (related to better endothelial function and microcirculation), as well as better kidney function including lower levels of BUN, Creatinine, and potassium (K) compared to the control group. These findings indicate that omega-3 supplementation may have protective effects on kidney and circulatory functions for patients with severe COVID-19, helping to prevent death due to renal impairment and acidosis.

Check Your Levels of Omega-3s and Vitamin D

Vitamin D has also been shown to greatly reduce the risk of COVID-19 severity and death, as outlined in some of the studies mentioned below.

With almost 90% of the general population having vitamin D levels below the recommended 40-60 ng/ml (100-150 nmol/L), it is obvious that most people need more vitamin D. While most of us cannot achieve a vitamin D level of 40-60 ng/ml from sun alone, either due to our lifestyle, where we live, or other circumstances, we can certainly reach those levels with the right amount of supplementation.

Below is a guide for how much you might need, and who may need more. Your levels can be tested safely at home – order your home test kit today.

Click to Enlarge & Print

By joining the GrassrootsHealth projects, you are not only contributing valuable information to our study, but you are also gaining knowledge about how you could improve your own health through measuring and tracking your nutrient status, and educating yourself on how to improve it. Do you know what your status of vitamin D, omega-3s, and other essential nutrients is? Could your levels be improved? Test now to find out!

We now have a NEW GIFTING SERVICE that allows you to quickly send ‘Gift Cards’ to friends, family and coworkers who you consider might need immediate access to testing, and to Claim the Joy of Your Health TODAY. Give the gift today!

What does the Research Say about Vitamin D & COVID-19?

It’s TIME to start saving lives! If you can help PREVENT the majority of the death, it’s time! What’s it costing you/us not to take action NOW?

There is much published research that supports a clear link between vitamin D and COVID-19 showing that higher vitamin D levels are related to:

a decreased risk of testing positive for COVID-19

increased viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA clearance

better clinical outcomes among patients with COVID-19

less severe COVID-19 disease

decreased risk of death due to COVID-19

Be sure to educate yourself on the benefits and importance of vitamin D for immune health, and take steps to ensure you and your loved ones are getting enough.

You can review all of the COVID-19 and immune health information we have shared on this page.

How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?

Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!

STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health

STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study

STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there

STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)

Enroll in D*action and Build Your Custom Test Kit!