Comprehensive assessment of the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the functional status of northern residents during a critical season

AIM: To examine the dynamics of morphophysiological and biochemical indicators, stress levels, and the intake of different classes of fatty acids in the human body, identifying essential fatty acid deficiencies before omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive morphophysiological and biochemical study was conducted, analyzing 35 parameters before and after 1.5 months of omega-3 PUFA supplementation. RESULTS: At baseline, the men in both the experimental and control groups demonstrated similar profiles across all analyzed parameters. After 1.5 months of omega-3 PUFA supplementation (Stage 2), the experimental group exhibited optimization-driven adjustments in several physiological systems. These changes included improvements in cardiovascular function, which facilitated a more optimal metabolic profile, normalization of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism, a significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, and a concurrent decrease in overall systemic inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in the tension matrix of functional reserves. In contrast, the control group, which did not receive docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation, did not experience similar adaptations. Instead, maladaptive responses in carbohydrate metabolism, capillary blood flow, and cardiovascular function were observed, which were likely exacerbated by the critical seasonal transition, as ambient temperatures fluctuated around freezing. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study support the recommendation of omega-3 PUFA supplementation for northern residents as a mitigating factor against the adverse effects of seasonal climatic fluctuations.