Research shows Fish Oils can Relieve Arthritis Pain

Can you use fish oil for arthritis and joint pain?

Latest studies indicate that specific doses of the omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil can relieve arthritis pain, improve range of motion and reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory medications needed to control some patient’s symptoms.

Arthritis can manifest itself in many different forms. The most common form is called osteoarthritis which is classified by joint deformity and pain. The classic symptoms of inflammation, pain and stiffness is due to the cartilage breaking down which causes the joints to press against each other during movement.

Research Results of Omega 3 Fish Oils on Arthritic Joint Pain

A number of studies appear to indicate that fish oils could be used as a natural treatment for many health conditions. People with joint pain may be able to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling for an improved quality of life.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce Pain:

A study at a New York Hospital found rheumatoid arthritis patients taking at least 3 grams a day of the omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, experienced fewer tender joints, less morning stiffness and increased their range of motion.

At Ninewells Hospital, UK, arthritis patients taking fish oils for 12 weeks reduced their dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications by almost 30%.

Brazilian researchers also looked at dietary influences on arthritic disease by comparing fish oil, olive oil and a placebo. The patients who had fish oils in their diets experienced improvements in hand strength, decreased joint pain and delayed onset of fatigue.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids Reduce Inflammation:

Doctors at the Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton discovered omega 3 fatty acids cause a reduction in inflammatory markers. Human inflammatory cells typically contain low amounts of omega 3 fatty acids and high amounts of a polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid.

Scientists discovered a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids replaces the arachidonic acid for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); this reduces production of arachidonic mediators and the amount of inflammation.

What’s the Best Fish Oil Dosage for Treating Arthritis?

Can you use Fish Oil for Joint Pain?

While doctors recommend eating a diet that provides 2 – 3 servings of fatty fish a week, you may need to use omega 3 fatty acid supplements, such as a pharmaceutical grade fish oil, to achieve higher blood levels of EPA and DHA for arthritis-specific pain management.

The actual amount of omega 3 fatty acids per dose is important for achieving any type of therapeutic benefit.  Fish oils and omega 3 supplements can come in many different dosage amounts with varying levels of EPA and DHA.

Researchers suggest that patients experiencing mild symptoms of osteoarthritis can begin treatment with 1000 – 2000 mg of EPA and DHA daily and slowly increase by 500 mg/day to assess its effects.

And evidence suggests you can achieve positive benefits with dosages up to 3 – 4 grams of EPA and DHA.

This fish oil arthritis dosage recommendation is based on an Australian study where patients using 40 mg of omega 3 fatty acids per kilogram of body weight. For example, a woman weighing 165 pounds (about 75 kilograms) would use about 3000 mg of EPA and DHA combined. Australian researchers found that patients whom used this dosage experienced less joint pain.

While fish oils are natural products, you can be at risk for some fish oil side effects; the most common ones are an increased risk for bleeding, gas or fish burps. You can reduce your risk for side effects by using highly-purified products that have been certified by a third-party laboratory. This will limit your exposure to contaminants and provide you with optimal concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids.

Fish Oil Arthritis Research References:

Effect of Six months of Fish Oil Supplementation in Stable Rheumatoid Arthritis. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 1992;21(4):178-85.

Effects of High-dose Fish Oils on Rheumatoid Arthritis After Stopping Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Arthritis Rheumatology. 1995 Aug;38(8):1107-14.

Dietary modification of inflammation with lipids. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 2002 Aug;61(3):345-58.

Supplementation of Fish Oils and Olive Oils in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Department of Department of Pathology, Londrina State University, Parana, Brazil. Nutrition. 2005 Feb;21(2):131-6.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of a Low Arachidonic Acid Diet and Fish Oils in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatology International. 2003 Jan;23(1):27-36. Epub 2002 Sep 6.

Efficacy of Fish Oil Concentrate in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Journal of Rheumatology. 2000 Oct;27(10):2343-6.