Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation Can Shorten ICU Length Of Stay

Diah Annisa Oktaviningsih

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), derived from fish oil, play a crucial role in modulating inflammation and immune function in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). An exaggerated systemic inflammatory response in critical care often leads to multiple organ dysfunction, nosocomial infections, and prolonged hospital stay. Omega-3 fish oil supplementation has been shown to suppress proinflammatory cytokine production, increase inflammatory resolution mediators, improve immune function, and support cellular energy metabolism. Evidence from controlled clinical trials and meta-analyses suggests that omega-3 supplementation can shorten ICU length of stay by an average of 2–3.5 days, reduce the duration of mechanical ventilation, and reduce infection rates. While results vary with dose, route of administration, and patient characteristics, the consistency of findings supports the potential of omega-3 as an added immunonutrient in clinical nutrition. With a favorable safety profile, integrating fish oil into critical care strategies has the potential to improve patient outcomes while improving the use of healthcare resources.

Keywords

Omega-3 fish oil; Fatty acids; Length of Stay; Intensive care

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.20961/soja.v6i1.115774

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