This multicentre study, led by researchers from Stanford, demonstrates another use for omega-3 supplements. The study analysed cohorts equally divided between control arm and omega-3 supplementation. Post endoscopic sellar and parasellar resection, better olfactory function was observed at three and six months in the omega-3 group. The authors have yet to decipher the exact mechanism of action of omega-3 supplementation on olfaction. They hypothesise that the potential benefits may be through neural regeneration vs. direct anti-inflammatory protective effects on the olfactory mucosa. Although other published studies have described nasoseptal flaps as a risk factor for olfactory loss after surgery, the authors found that it was not independently associated with smell loss in their cohort. This study suggests another novel use for omega-3 supplementation for a neurological disorder. Future studies are needed to discover if it can help improve olfactory loss due to other causes.
Olfactory protective effect of omega-3 supplements during healing after endoscopic sellar and parasellar resection
Reviewed by Gauri Mankekar
Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation in Patients with Smell Dysfunction Following Endoscopic Sellar and Parasellar Tumor Resection: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.
CONTRIBUTOR
Gauri Mankekar
Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
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