DOSE-RESPONSE EFFECTS OF MARINE OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS ON INFLAMMATION

The research we conduct is important because it will provide novel information about the role that omega-3 fatty acids play in reducing inflammation. Inflammation plays a key role in the development and progression of many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease, among others. In addition, our research will advance our understanding of the amount of dietary EPA and DHA needed to elevate blood levels of these fatty acids to protect against inflammatory insults that promote these chronic diseases that are rampant in the United States. In brief, our studies will provide useful information that can be used for updating Dietary Reference Intakes for EPA and DHA issued by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and translated into food-based dietary recommendations released by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.