Omega-3 supplements could reduce cigarette cravings

Taking omega-3 supplements could reduce nicotine cravings and frequency of smoking, according to a study conducted by the researchers at the University of Haifa.                                                                          

Most of the medications being prescribed to reduce or quit smoking are ineffective and often cause serious side effects. Omega-3 supplements are generally inexpensive and safe option to reduce smoking, said Dr. Sharon Rabinovitz Shenkar, addiction medicine expert, University of Haifa.

By depleting circulatory levels of omega-3 fatty acids, prolonged smoking increase the risk of developing immune disorders, progressive lung diseases including cancer. Omega-3 deficiency affects brain’s neural network that are involved in reward pathway, addiction and motivation. Omega-3 deficiency increase addiction risk by causing depression and stress.

The study involved 48 smokers between 18 and 45 years of age who smoked at least 10 cigarettes, every day, over a year. All the subjects were diagnosed with moderate nicotine dependency. One group was assigned to receive omega-3 capsules (5/day for 30 days) and the rest were on placebo. The participants were allowed to smoke throughout the study period.

Using various techniques, nicotine craving and dependence was assessed before, during and at the end of the study. After thirty days, significant reduction in nicotine craving and smoking frequency was observed in omega-3 treated subjects. The treatment benefit continued over a month, even after the subjects discontinued omega-3 supplements. No benefits were observed in placebo group.