Report on Using Fish Oil for Arthritis

Can you use fish oil for arthritis and joint pain?

According to the latest research, fish oils may help relieve joint pain, improve range of motion and reduce the amount of medication needed to control some symptoms.

The Arthritis Foundation states there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), fibromyalgia and gout.

Osteoarthritis is considered the most common and is classified by joint deformity and pain.

Arthritis can be effectively treated with medications, surgery and natural treatments.

This article takes a closer look at the effects of omega 3 fatty acids and fish oils in treating arthritis symptoms.

Numerous Studies Show Fish Oil Reduces Pain and Inflammation

• A study in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism reports that a daily dose of fish oil decreases the number of tender joints, morning stiffness and pain.
• Researchers from the Institute of Nutrition, University of Southampton, United Kingdom, found that fish oil significantly reduces inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
• An abstract published in the 1997 Oct. issue of Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism concluded that fish oils lower inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and can have drug-sparring effects.
• The Institute of Human Nutrition in England, states that eating a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids replaces other fatty acids that cause inflammation which helps lower inflammation in the body.
• A review of 23 studies in the British Journal of Nutrition found consistent evidence that omega 3 fatty acids help reduce joint pain and swelling.
• Australian researchers found high dose fish oil reduces arthritis symptoms when 40 mg. per  kilogram of body weight is used daily.

What’s the Best Fish Oil Dosage for Arthritis?

Numerous studies appear to indicate that omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil may play a role in managing symptoms in some arthritis conditions.

Since arthritis can appear in many different forms, it’s difficult to recommend an effective dosage.

The dosages used in many studies varied from 40 mg/kg/day up to 130 mg/kg/day.  There was also differences in the duration of treatment and whether or not other medications were used during different studies.

That being said, The American Heart Association, and other health agencies, do recommend that you get sufficient amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet.

Eating fresh fatty fish up to 2 times a week, or using a pharmaceutical-grade fish oil, can supply these healthy fats for optimal health.

Please contact your health provider before using any nutritional health supplements.

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