Omega-3 And Fish Oil In Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the joints as well as the potential to affect other organs of the body.

And omega 3 fatty acids or fish oils have been studied as a treatment option for inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis.

A study in the journal Pain on the effect of omega 3 fatty acids on inflammatory joint pain and symptoms, released in 28th February 2007 showed that omega 3s may reduce arthritis symptoms.

The study was a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials, and looked at omega 3s effect on relieving rheumatoid arthritis as well as joint pain as a result of other autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, and also dysmenorrhea (painful periods).

The study looked at:

• patient reported pain
• pain as assessed by the doctor
• length of morning stiffness of joints
• number of painful joints
• use of anti inflammaory drugs (NSAIDS)

It was concluded that the use of omega 3's for 3-4 months reduced patient reported joint pains, duration of morning stiffness, number of painful joints and need for NSAIDs medications.

The study concluded that omega 3 fatty acids:

"are an attractive adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and dysmenorrhea."

So it seems that there is some promise, and evidence according to clinical studies that fish oil or omega 3 oil may be good for rheumatoid arthritis.

Study Details:

• Goldberg RJ, Katz J. A meta-analysis of the analgesic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for inflammatory joint pain. Pain. 2007 Feb 28.