Fish Oils and Arthritis Research

Previous studies on fish oils and arthritis indicate the omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil may play a role in improving the signs and symptoms of arthritic joint pain.

Here are more studies on how fish oils may improve joint health:

4. Fish Oils relieve Tender Joints and Morning Stiffness

New York - Doctors at a hospital in Albany, New York had rheumatoid arthritis patients take at least three grams of cicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

After three months of treatment they found that patients had:

• fewer tender joints
• less morning stiffness
• increased range of motion

• lowered the amount or stopped taking anti-inflammatory drugs

A similar study in Sweden had patients taking 10 grams a day of fish oils for 6 months. They found that fish oils had significant anti-inflammatory properties and helped lessen the amount of anti-inflammatory drugs needed to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Fish Oils reduce Inflammation in Arthritis

United Kingdom - Researchers at the Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton published a report that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils have an anti-inflammatory effect on inflammatory markers in the body.

Human inflammatory cells contain high amounts of a polyunsaturated fatty acid called arachidonic acid and low amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. Eating a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids replaces the arachidonic acid for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) leading to less production of arachidonic mediators.

This effect alone leads to substantial reduction in inflammation. The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oils also reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines which also helps lower the symptoms of chronic inflammation and protects against toxins and similar inflammatory conditions.

Researchers postulate that inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis and asthma may benefit from oral intake of fish oils due to the anti-inflammatory effect of the polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids.

6. The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Fish Oils

Ireland - Scientists at the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre recommend the increased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation mediators in the body.

Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids produce eicosanoids, potent lipid mediators that play an important role in inflammation. Eicosanoids produced from the omega 6 fatty acid arachidonic acid produce pro-inflammatory markers, whereas eicosanoids derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are anti-inflammatory due to their ability to inhibit the formation of omega 6 eicosanoids.

Increasing the consumption of dietary EPA and DHA through fatty fish or fish oil will help reduce the incidence of inflammation seen in diseases that have an inflammatory process, including arthritis, irritable bowel disease and some neurodegenerative diseases.

Editorial Comments on Fish Oils and Arthritis:

Omega 3 in fish oil fights inflammation

The above research on fish oils and arthritis appears to indicate many benefits. The omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) appear to reduce the level of inflammatory mediators and precursors within the body.

This action leads to a reduction in inflammation and may lessen the symptoms seen in many inflammatory disease processes such as arthritis.

Due to the wide range of variables used in many of these studies the important criteria is determining an effective fish oil dosage that may lead to an appreciable improvement in symptoms.

Many of the studies used upwards of 3 - 10 grams/day of fish oil, as well as the consideration of duration of treatment. All of these variables will have some effect on achieving any measurable response.

However, in spite of the variables used in many of these studies, there are some positive benefits seen in much of the available research.

Using fish oils for joint pain may offer the following benefits:

• Less joint pain
• Increased grip strength
• Delayed onset of fatigue
• Less swollen and tender joints
• Less inflammation
• Decrease in morning stiffness

Oily fish may reduce joint pain

If you suffer from joint pain, you may need to adjust your lifestyle and diet to help reduce joint swelling and stiffness.

Reducing the amount of joint inflammation and rebuilding joint cartilage (if possible) may help reduce your arthritis symptoms.

While the traditional practise of prescribing corticosteroids may be effective for many patients, the possible side effects of weight gain, weakened immune system and brittle bones may prevent some people from using them continuously.

Fish oils may not cure arthritis, but you may be able to reduce the signs and symptoms of joint pain without experiencing the side effects associated with some prescription drugs.

Other research suggests you might get relief by following an anti- inflammatory diet. This may involve food choices that contain low levels of arachidonic acid and including lots of oily fish or fish oil supplements.

Arachidonic acid is an omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acid; too much in the diet may exacerbate symptoms if you suffer from joint pain or have a history of inflammatory disease.

Research has shown the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil inhibits the production of inflammatory markers and has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body.

Research References:

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