Plant-derived SDA/GLA sources demonstrate distinct 'anti-inflammaging' effects in human and animal models

Meeting recommended omega-3 fatty acid intake requirements sustainably while gaining demonstrated ‘anti-inflammaging’ health benefits requires broadening readily available dietary omega-3 sources beyond predominant fish-based EPA/DHA oils. Recent peer-reviewed evidence from controlled intervention trials (in vivo and ex vivo) and epidemiological studies demonstrates that naturally occurring plant-based sources of dietary SDA (C18:4n-3) and GLA (C18:3n-6), which bypass hepatic rate-limiting steps in forming longer chain anti-inflammatory metabolites and substrates, can play roles in modulating biomarkers impacting healthy ageing. As shown in recent placebo or fish oil comparator-controlled trials, combinations of ALA (C18:3n-3), SDA and GLA can elicit distinct biological responses, modifying cardiovascular, immune, gut microbiome, liver, and joint inflammation markers comparably to dietary EPA/DHA sources at similar exposures, despite containing no EPA or DHA. A recent 3-way crossover dietary intervention trial found an SDA-rich dietary oil tripled plasma EPA levels in healthy young male subjects, raised HDL-C levels (+11%), and favorably shifted the subjects’ EPA, DHA, and ARA oxylipin profile to a less inflammatory phenotype in 20 days. A recent M-SHIME human gut model study found that an SDA/GLA rich oil shifted the gut microbial catalog favorably, raising Bacteroides and lowering Clostridia significantly, accompanied by increased production of short-chain propionate in the colon, and inducing Bacteroides-facilitated production of N-stearidonoyl ethanolamine and in turn endocannabinoid-like mediator commendamide, a novel discovered gut microbial ‘bio-factory’ meeting functional prebiotic criteria. Recent studies in parenteral nutrition comparing SDA/GLA to fish- and soya-based emulsions have shown superior performance, raising interleukin-10 in key tissues, lowering brain lipopolysaccharide levels (suggesting higher gut barrier integrity), suggesting overall anti-inflammatory, immune supporting, insulin sensitizing and hepatoprotective effects. A recent rheumatoid arthritic mouse model demonstrated significant pro-inflammatory particulate microvesicle chemokine suppression in synovial fluid along with reduced ankle thickness and improved mobility, comparably between an SDA/GLA source and a fish oil source.