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NEWS AND VIEWS |
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Year : 2013 | Volume
: 4
| Issue : 1 | Page : 74 |
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Fish-oil-rich diet lowers bedsore symptoms by 20-25%
G Sivagnanam
Department of Pharmacology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Kadhirkamam, Puducherry, India
Date of Web Publication | 22-Feb-2013 |
Correspondence Address: G Sivagnanam Department of Pharmacology, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Kadhirkamam, Puducherry India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0976-500X.107694
How to cite this article: Sivagnanam G. Fish-oil-rich diet lowers bedsore symptoms by 20-25%. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2013;4:74 |
News | |  | "A diet rich in fish oils has been found to have a positive effect on bedsores, researchers from Tel Aviv University reported." [1]
Re (Views) | |  |
Researchers have earlier shown that anti-inflammatory property of the ω-3 light-chain PUFAs and micronutrients improved the pulmonary function of critically ill patients which in turn improved tissue oxygenation, compared to those who received an isocaloric control formula. [2] Later another study found a reduced incidence of new pressure ulcers with the use of the specialized formula (containing eicosapentaenoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid, and antioxidants). [3]
With this background a recent randomized study has concluded that feeding formula enriched with fish oil was associated with decreased progression of pressure ulcers and a decrease in blood concentrations of C-reactive protein in patients with grade II pressure ulcers. [4]
The above study has stated in its exclusion criteria "…. conditions associated with markedly impaired immunity and/or wound healing, such as AIDS, autoimmune disorders, and treatment with immunosuppressive medications". The study has not given any breakup of clinical diagnosis, though a broad categorization (as medical, surgical, and trauma patients) has been provided. There also is a dearth of data regarding the mobility status, sensory impairment, continent status, presence of infection, other medications received by the patients, to mention a few.
However, the conclusion that nutritional support (addition of fish oil to the nutritional regimen) slows the progression of pressure ulcers should call for larger, well-designed studies including quality of life as well as pharmacoeconomic parameters.
References | |  |
1. | Available from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/253771.php [Last accessed on 2012 Dec 10].  |
2. | Singer P, Theilla M, Fisher H, Gibstein L, Grozovski E, Cohen J. Benefit of an enteral diet enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid and gamma-linolenic acid in ventilated patients with acute lung injury. Crit Care Med 2006;34:1033-8.  [PUBMED] |
3. | Theilla M, Singer P, Cohen J, Dekeyser F. A diet enriched in eicosapentanoic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and antioxidants in the prevention of new pressure ulcer formation in critically ill patients with acute lung injury: A randomized, prospective, controlled study. Clin Nutr 2007;26:752-7  |
4. | Theilla M, Schwartz B, Cohen J, Shapiro H, Anbar R, Singer P. Impact of a nutritional formula enriched in fish oil and micronutrients on pressure ulcers in critical care patients. Am J Crit Care 2012;21:e102-9.  [PUBMED] |
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