Omega-3 plus low-dose aspirin produces antibiotic-like results
The findings are particularly relevant amid growing global concern about bacterial resistance
A combination of omega-3 and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) produce results comparable to antibiotics in treating severe periodontitis, according to a new study.
The findings were published in the Journal of Periodontology and suggest a promising therapeutic alternative for some patients by reducing the need for antibiotics. The findings are particularly relevant amid growing global concern about bacterial resistance.
The study followed 109 patients with advanced periodontitis over one year.
By the end of the follow-up period, about 58% of patients treated with antibiotics had met the researchers’ established clinical goal of having no more than four remaining deep periodontal pockets. Among those who received omega-3 and ASA, the percentage was 57.7%.
The results are especially significant in light of growing concerns about antibiotic resistance, which is considered one of the main threats to global public health.
“Demonstrating that it’s possible to treat severe periodontitis by modulating the body’s own response is new and relevant information that helps preserve antibiotics for when they are truly indispensable,” said a spokesperson for the research team.