A recent randomized controlled trial has found that fish oil administered intravenously to intensive care patients with sepsis resulted in a reduction in inflammatory chemical and an improvement in gas exchange. The end result was an overall shorter hospital stay.

Doctors arrived at their findings by including fish oil in the usual nutrient solution that is administered to patients suffering from sepsis, also known as systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which is a serious illness that results from an infection in your blood.

The doctors examined 23 patients with sepsis and chose fish oil because it not only contains essential building blocks, but provides energy and may supply biologically active fatty acids, as well. Traditionally, nutrient solutions contain soybean oil, which does not have beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that are believed to reduce inflammation. Instead, soybean oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which might in fact encourage inflammation when present in excess.

What they found was that 13 patients in the fish oil group had lower levels of inflammatory indicators in their blood. These same patients also responded better in terms of lung function, and as an indicator of their overall health, left the hospital earlier than the 10 patients who were given the more traditional nutrient solution.

According to the authors of the study, which is currently in press in the journal Critical Care, the results are indicative of the usefulness of the fish oil solution as a way to help improve clinical outcomes in patients suffering from sepsis, which is in fact a life-threatening illness.

Sepsis stems from our body’s reaction to infections, usually from bacteria. In the presence of foreign invaders, our immune system ramps up its defenses to the point that it can severely overwhelm the proper functioning of our blood. What can ensue is the formation of blood clots that can impede or block the flow of blood to vital organs. If allowed to continue, it can lead to organ failure and up to one third of patients who contract sepsis actually die from it.

People who are particularly vulnerable to sepsis include babies, the elderly, and immuno-compromised individuals. The key to surviving sepsis is early diagnosis and treatment. Treatment usually involves times spent in the intensive care unit where antibiotics and fluids are administered. In certain cases, patients may need respirators to assist in breathing.

Omega-3 fatty acids are widely believed to have many health benefits, which include reducing inflammation as well as the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. They are also thought to help lessen joint pain and the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Good sources of omega-3s include flax seeds, nuts, and certain fish and vegetables.