Omega-3 Levels and Nicotine Dependence: A Cross-Sectional Study and Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: High oxidative stress, which is caused by smoking, can alter omega-3 fatty acid concentrations. Since omega-3 fatty acids play a role in dopaminergic neurotransmission related to dependence, it is important to understand their effects on nicotine dependence. Methods: This research comprised 2 studies. The first one consisted of a cross-sectional evaluation, in which the levels of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were compared between smokers and non-smokers in a sample of 171 individuals; of them, 120 were smokers and 51 were non-smokers. The other study was a clinical, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, in which 63 smokers received daily treatment with capsules of fish oil (a source of omega-3/3 g/day) or mineral oil (used as placebo, also 3 g/day), taken 3 times a day for 90 days. Each fish oil capsules contained approximately 210.99 mg EPA and 129.84 mg of DHA. The outcome was evaluated by means of psychometric and biological measures as well as self-reports of tobacco use. The evaluations were carried out at the beginning of treatment and once a month thereafter (total of 4 times). Outcomes: The omega-3 fatty acid lipid profile showed that smokers present lower concentrations of DHA. After treatment, the omega-3 group showed a significant reduction in their levels of dependence. Interpretation: Smokers showed lower peripheral levels of omega-3, and treatment with the most important omega-3 fatty acids brought about a reduction in nicotine dependence.

Specific behavioral and cellular adaptations induced by chronic morphine are reduced by dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

“…Humans dependent on opiates or nicotine often consume a lipid-poor diet resulting in low plasma DHA levels [55, 56]. These DHA-deficient diets alter the DHA content of specific brain regions, decrease membrane fluidity and the expression of multiple pre- and post-synaptic proteins [57–60].…”

The relationship between omega-3 and smoking habit: a cross-sectional study

“…Geographical and cultural patterns could induce a routinely different intake of foods rich in omega-3. A dietary deficiency of omega-3 may be associated with an increased risk of smoking [ 13 ].…”

“…The omega-3 fatty acids are important components of cell membranes and have a role in numerous human metabolic processes [ 1 ]. These substances may contribute to the prevention and treatment of neurological [ 2 , 3 ] and cardiovascular diseases [ 4 – 6 ], many chronic inflammatory and respiratory diseases [ 7 – 10 ], several of which are also linked to tobacco smoking [ 11 – 13 ].…”

OMEGA-3 Interventions in Alcohol Dependence and Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Propositions

“…Studies on tobacco dependence have shown that smokers have decreased levels of blood DHA [ 35 , 36 ] and clinical trials demonstrated that daily administration of fish oil capsules decreased the dependence and craving levels of smokers [ 36 , 37 ]. Among cocaine-dependent individuals, studies have shown that low levels of fatty acids are related to relapse vulnerability and aggression [ 38 , 39 ].…”