Rapid review on the use of oral fatty acid supplements in the prevention or as adjunct treatment of COVID-19
- Author:
Rowena Natividad S. Flores-Genuino
1
;
Marquis Von Angelo Syquio G. Joson
2
;
Belen L. Dofitas
3
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- MeSH: Covid-19
- From: Acta Medica Philippina 2020;54(Rapid Reviews on COVID19):901-945
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
- Abstract: Key Findings:There is lack of clinical evidence supporting the role of oral fatty acid supplements as prevention and adjunctive therapy for COVID-19. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) mediate inflammation and adaptive immune responses. Omega-3 fatty acids promote anti‐inflammatory effects and reduce influenza virus replication. No clinical evidence supporting the use of oral fatty acid supplements as prevention and adjunctive therapy of COVID-19 was found. We found indirect evidence from one systematic review on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and two longitudinal cohort studies on community-acquired pneumonia that showed non-significant and inconsistent results. The most common known side effects of omega-3-fatty acids are gastrointestinal in nature. They may also cause allergy and affect blood clotting if taken with other medications that affect clotting. There are 2 ongoing clinical trials on eicosapentaenoic fatty acids as an adjunctive therapy to standard oral nutrition supplements or standard of care in COVID-19 patients. WHO Interim guidelines, CDC interim guidelines, Infectious Diseases Society of America COVID-19 treatment guidelines, and the American Thoracic Society did not give any recommendation on the use of nutritional supplements in patients with COVID-19.
