Which omega-3 fatty acid is anti-inflammatory?

• A. Omega-9.
• B. Omega-3.
• C. Omega-6.
• D. Omega-7.

Answer: (B)

Fats in the omega-3 family are anti-inflammatory because their long-chain forms, EPA and DHA, become part of cell membranes and influence inflammatory signaling. They compete with arachidonic acid for the same enzymes, which shifts the production of eicosanoids toward less inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. They also give rise to specialized pro-resolving mediators—resolvins, protectins, and maresins—that actively help resolve inflammation. In addition, omega-3s can modulate gene expression to dampen inflammatory pathways, reducing cytokine production.

Omega-6 fatty acids can contribute to inflammatory signaling when present in high amounts relative to omega-3s, which is common in many diets. Omega-9 and omega-7 are not primarily classified by anti-inflammatory effects in the same way omega-3s are, and they don’t provide the same targeted anti-inflammatory actions as EPA and DHA.