The key link between fatty acids and immune function is the production of a family of mediators termed eicosanoids from PUFAs. These eicosanoids can be synthesised from both omega-6 and omega-3 PUFAs, but then have different effects on the inflammation. Whether the eicosanoids are synthesised from omega-6 or omega-3 PUFAs, is merely determined by their abundance in the cell membranes. Since arachidonic acid (omega-6) can be found more abundantly than EPA + DHA, usually more eicosanoids of the omega-6-series are synthesised. Following DHA supplementation, higher synthesis rates of mediators of the omega-3-series can be observed.
Thus DHA has a variety of positive immune-modulating effects.
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