Omega-3 and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Omega-3 and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview

One in five or 22 percent of the adults in the United States report having a doctor diagnosis of arthritis, according to the Center for Disease Control. The use of omega-3 fatty acids reduces inflammation associated with chronic diseases, such as arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease, and omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects.

Fish Oil, Olive Oil and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

A study in the 2005 journal "Nutrition" led by researcher A.A. Berbert explains the effects of supplementation with fish oil alone and fish oil with olive oil together compared with a placebo in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Significant improvement was seen at three months and at six months with both fish oil alone and fish oil and olive oil together. More specifically, improvements were seen in the duration of morning joint stiffness, hand-grip strength and joint-pain intensity. The supplemented amount was 3 g fish oil and 9.7 mL olive oil daily.

Omega-3 as Adjuvant Therapy

Omega-3 makes an effective adjuvant therapy to other treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. This means omega-3s could potentially lower a dose of prescription arthritis medications or could decrease the number of doctor or other therapeutic visits. A study in the 2007 journal "Pain" led by researcher R.J. Goldberg analyzed studies which used omega-3s for pain and inflammation and found that people using omega-3s for three to four months showed a decreased use of anti-inflammatory medications as well as a decrease in morning joint stiffness and pain.

Mechanism of Fish Oil for Arthritis

The way in which fish oil decreases inflammation to decrease pain and use of anti-inflammatories is documented in research. A 2006 study in the "Journal of Rheumatology," led by researcher Leslie Cleland, explains that fish oil uses a similar pathway as anti-inflammatory medications. Fish oil prevents a certain pathway, which is known as the COX pathway that leads to prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are molecules that mediate contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle tissue throughout the body and are associated with inflammation. Therefore, an inhibitive effect on this pathway decreases pain and inflammation.

Omega-3 Sources

Omega-3 fatty acid food sources include flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, walnuts, salmon, sardines, halibut, tuna, trout, herring, soybean oil, soy nuts, hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds. Omega-3s can be obtained in a supplement as well in the form of a capsule or soft gel. Always discuss taking supplements with a physician to prevent any adverse side effects.

source : livestrong.com