Omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate olfactory losses.
The sellar and parasellar regions of the brain comprise a complex anatomical area located near the pituitary gland. Tumors in these regions often require resection using endoscopic nasal procedures, which are often associated with concomitant olfactory function losses. In some patients these losses persist long after the procedure and are sometimes permanent. Findings from a new study suggest that omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate olfactory losses associated with endoscopic nasal procedures.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that play essential roles in human health. They influence cell membrane integrity, affect the function of membrane-bound cellular receptors, and participate in a vast array of physiological functions. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in flaxseed, soybeans, canola oil, fish, and other seafood. They are also widely available as dietary supplements.
The prospective, randomized controlled trial involved 87 patients with sellar or parasellar tumors who were undergoing endoscopic nasal resection. Roughly half of the patients received nasal saline irrigations (standard treatment) or nasal saline irrigations plus 2,000 milligrams of supplemental omega-3 fatty acids daily. The participants underwent a smell test before and at six weeks, three months, and six months after the procedure.
At the six-week point, 25 percent of the patients in both groups had experienced a clinically significant loss in olfactory function. However, at three and six months post-procedure, the patients who took omega-3 fatty acids had less olfactory loss than patients without supplementation.
The authors of the study suggested that the improvements they observed in the patients' olfactory function were due to omega-3 fatty acids' neuroprotective effects as well as their capacity to promote synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter function. Interestingly, many people report olfactory losses with viral infections, including COVID-19. A new clinical trial is investigating whether omega-3 fatty acids can protect and even restore lost sense of smell in patients with COVID-19.
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