The Effects of Alpha Linolenic Acid (Omega-3 Fatty Acid) on Tobacco Craving Intensity, Withdrawal Symptoms and Biochemical Markers in Tobacco Users.

Abstract

Tobacco use causes serious public health concerns and causes many health problems like (asthma, COPD, stroke, cancer, etc.). While a number of pharmacological treatments are used to reduce tobacco use, they often have adverse effects. Fewer studies have assessed non-pharmacological treatments {Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or fish oil} to reduce tobacco use. Omega-3 fatty acids, already known for their benefits in reducing bad cholesterol, managing diabetes, and helping with fatty liver, are now being studied for their potential impact on smoking habits. We aimed to evaluate the effect of omega-3 supplementation (flaxseed oil as a vegetarian source of alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) on tobacco craving intensity, withdrawal symptoms, and various biochemical markers in tobacco users. This single-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 104 tobacco users divided into two groups: omega-3 (n = 54) receiving 10 ml flaxseed oil daily for 6 months and placebo (n = 50). We measured tobacco craving intensity {Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)}, withdrawal symptoms {Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS)}, demographic parameters (BMI, WHR, BP, HR), and biochemical parameters (LFT, KFT, Lipid Profile) at baseline and after 6 months. Six-month consumption of edible grade pure flaxseed oil resulted in significant lowering of BMI in omega-3 group when compared to placebo group (p = 0.0002). Also, omega-3 effectively decreased tobacco craving intensity (p < 0.0001) and its withdrawal (p < 0.0001). More intriguingly, LFT panel showed significantly lower levels of bilirubin (D) (p = 0.0216) and SGPT (p = 0.0217). Urea level (p = 0.0489) was significantly decreased while creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were comparatively decreased in omega-3 than placebo group in KFT panel. Eventually in case of lipid profile, triglycerides (p = 0.0031), LDL (p = 0.0291) and VLDL (p = 0.0055) showed significant reduction in omega-3 group. Omega-3 supplementation with flaxseed oil effectively reduces tobacco craving intensity and withdrawal symptoms, suggesting its potential for aiding tobacco cessation. Additionally, it significantly improved liver and kidney functions as well as lipid profile, highlighting its potential for broader health benefits. Trial registration This study was registered at Clinical Trial Registry-India (http://www.ctri.nic.in) with reference no. CTRI202202040681 and was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki principles.