{
  "id": 14203899,
  "title": "Omega-3 fatty acids and TB recovery: Could they support the body during treatment?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/omega-3-fatty-acids-and-tb-recovery-could-they-support-the-body",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-13T12:41:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/business/omega-3-fatty-acids-and-tb-recovery-could-they-support-the-body-during-treatment/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa sees approximately 249,000 tuberculosis (TB) cases each year, with an estimated 54,000 resulting in death. Although TB research receives substantial funding, experts worry that investments in diagnostic tools, medications, vaccines, and strategies may not match the disease's global impact. To address this, Prof. Linda Malan and her colleagues at North-West University's Centre of Excellence for Nutrition are exploring a novel approach: combining standard TB treatment with omega-3 fatty acids. Prof. Malan explains that while standard treatment targets the bacteria causing TB, the immune system's response also plays a critical role in recovery. Inflammation is a necessary part of this response, yet excessive or prolonged inflammation can damage lung tissue and impede healing. Omega-3 fatty acids have potential in this area as essential fats that modulate the immune system and inflammation. The NWU's TREAT3 clinical trial investigates whether supplementing standard TB treatment with long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can help the body manage the disease and its inflammatory effects without replacing the medication. EPA and DHA, abundant in oily fish, become incorporated into cell membranes and influence immune cell communication. The NWU's preclinical studies have shown promising results, with omega-3 supplementation reducing inflammation in infected mice, improving anaemia markers, and resolving inflammation without increasing bacterial load. A clinical trial is now underway at Tshepong Hospital in Klerksdorp, enrolling participants to test whether daily doses of omega-3 fatty acids can complement standard TB treatment, improve recovery, and address broader nutritional and inflammatory needs in South African patients.",
  "summary": "Tuberculosis is preventable and curable, yet it remains one of the country's deadliest infectious diseases.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}