LONDON—New research from Queen Mary, University of London and Harvard Medical School reveals how the body converts the DHA in fish oil into Resolvin D2, a chemical found to reduce the inflammation that can lead to a variety of diseases.
“We have known for some time that fish oils can help with conditions like arthritis which are linked to inflammation,” said Mauro Perretti, Professor of Immunopharmacology at Queen Mary, University of London. “What we’ve shown here is how the body processes a particular ingredient of fish oils into Resolvin D2. We’ve also looked in detail at this chemical, determining at least some of the ways it relieves inflammation. It seems to be a very powerful chemical and a small amount can have a large effect.”