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Inverse Association between Omega-3 Index and Severity of COVID-19: A Case–Control Study

Author

Listed:
  • Muriel Ramírez-Santana

    (Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile)

  • Rodrigo Zapata Barra

    (Faculty of Medical Science, Universidad de Santiago de Chile and Neurosurgery Service, Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

  • Marcela Ñunque González

    (Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo 1780000, Chile)

  • José Miguel Müller

    (Faculty of Medical Science, Universidad de Santiago de Chile and Neurosurgery Service, Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

  • Juan Enrique Vásquez

    (Faculty of Medical Science, Universidad de Santiago de Chile and Neurosurgery Service, Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

  • Franco Ravera

    (Faculty of Medical Science, Universidad de Santiago de Chile and Neurosurgery Service, Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

  • Gustavo Lago

    (Hospital Clínico Fusat, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

  • Eduardo Cañón

    (Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

  • Daniella Castañeda

    (Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

  • Madelaine Pradenas

    (Hospital Regional Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile)

Abstract

Background: Omega-3 fatty acids enhance immune response and modulate inflammation. This study aimed to determine the relationship between omega-3 fatty acid status and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: Using a case–control design, we compared hospitalized patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (cases, n = 73) with a group of ambulatory patients with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection (controls, n = 71). No patients were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Results: The cases were older ( p = 0.003), less educated ( p = 0.001), had larger neck and smaller waist circumferences ( p = 0.035 and p = 0.003, respectively), more frequently had diabetes ( p < 0.001), consumed less fish ( p < 0.001), consumed higher proportions of fried fish ( p = 0.001), and had lower Omega-3 Index (O3I) values ( p = 0.001) than controls. Cases had significantly lower rates of upper airway symptoms than controls. Lower O3I was associated with an increased likelihood of developing severe COVID-19 after adjusting for potential confounders (OR: 0.52; CI 0.32–0.86). Diabetes (OR: 4.41; CI 1.60–12.12), neck circumference (OR: 1.12; CI 1.03–1.21), and older age (OR: 1.03; CI 1.002–1.062) were also linked to COVID-19 severity. Fried fish consumption and low educational level were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. Conclusions: This study suggests incorporating nutritional interventions to improve omega-3 status within nonpharmacological measures may help to reduce the severity of COVID-19.

Suggested Citation

  • Muriel Ramírez-Santana & Rodrigo Zapata Barra & Marcela Ñunque González & José Miguel Müller & Juan Enrique Vásquez & Franco Ravera & Gustavo Lago & Eduardo Cañón & Daniella Castañeda & Madelaine Prad, 2022. "Inverse Association between Omega-3 Index and Severity of COVID-19: A Case–Control Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6445-:d:824294
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Charles N. Serhan, 2014. "Pro-resolving lipid mediators are leads for resolution physiology," Nature, Nature, vol. 510(7503), pages 92-101, June.
    2. Rodrigo Zapata B. & José Miguel Müller & Juan Enrique Vásquez & Franco Ravera & Gustavo Lago & Eduardo Cañón & Daniella Castañeda & Madelaine Pradenas & Muriel Ramírez-Santana, 2021. "Omega-3 Index and Clinical Outcomes of Severe COVID-19: Preliminary Results of a Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-8, July.
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