Omega 3 Fish Oil And Its Effects On Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms And Inflammatory Markers

Here is another study of high dose fish oils (omega 3 fatty acids) and it's effect on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and markers of inflammation.

This study looked at whether fish oil supplements were able to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis in being able to stop their NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

The study had 66 patients, and was a double blind, placebo controlled, prospective study .

The treatment group took fish oil while taking their anti inflammatory while the placebo group took corn oil instead whilst on the NSAID.

The dose of fish oil was based on weight, at 130 mg/kg/day.

After about 18 weeks, the NSAID was replaced with a placebo.

It was found that the group taking fish oil (omega 3), that there was a decrease in the number of tender joints, length of time of morning stiffness doctors as well as patients assessment of overall arthritis 'activity'.

There was also a decrease in the blood levels of IL-1 beta, a marker of inflammation seen in arthritis, in the group taking the fish oil.

In contrast the corn oil group noted no difference.

After the NSAID was stopped, the decrease seen in the number of painful joints was maintained 8 weeks after stopping the NSAID in the group taking fish oil, compared to the corn oil group.

It was noted that some patients were able to discontinue their NSAID without a flare up of their arthritis.

So in conclusion this study found a difference in the symptoms reported as well as blood markers of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis when taking fish oils.

Study Details:

• Kremer JM, Lawrence DA, et al. Effects of high-dose fish oil on rheumatoid arthritis after stopping nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Clinical and immune correlates. Arthritis Rheum. 1995 Aug;38(8):1107-14