The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Fish oil supplements are the best sources of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahaenoic acid. EPA and DHA are the key ingredients of fish oil and they have been shown to be beneficial for a variety of health concerns, including arthritis.
Omega-3 and Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is often associated with the advanced age, but other factors such as heredity and mechanical factors may play a role in development of this condition. Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition caused by the deterioration of the cartilage and other joint tissues with the formation of new bone at the margins of the joints. Brief stiffness in the morning, pain and minimal inflammation of the joint are the main symptoms of osteoarthritis. A February 2004 issue of Medical News Today reported on a press conference in which Professor Bruce Caterson of Cardiff University and his colleagues announce that they found that by taking cod liver oil, individuals have higher chances to delay the onset of osteoarthritis and decrease the risk of requiring joint replacements later in life. The study showed that 86 percent of pre-operative people suffering from osteoarthritis who took cod liver oil capsules daily had reduced levels of certain enzymes that are involved in cartilage damage compared to 26 percent of individuals in the placebo group.
Omega-3 and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis characterized by pain, swelling and cartilage destruction of the affected joints. Individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may have episodes of flare-ups with periods of remission or may have a progressive form of the disease.The small joints of the hands and feet are usually affected and they become painful and stiff, often on awakening and after inactivity. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis may affect organs as well as joints and may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
The results of a double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted by Dr. Bernat Galarraga and colleagues from Ninewells Hospital and published in a 2008 issue of the journal Rheumatology showed that individuals taking cod liver oil supplements for three months reported improvement in joint pain and morning stiffness. The study showed that there are potential benefits of cod liver oil supplementation in reducing the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Omega-3 and Gout
Gout is another inflammatory arthritis characterized by swelling of joints and severe pain, especially at night. It is caused by accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Acute attacks of gout may be triggered by a trauma, surgery, a diet rich in purines and use of alcohol.
Some individuals with gout manifested concerns regarding use of fish oil, since fish is a source of purines. Dr. James McKoy, M.D., a rheumatologist with the Arthritis Foundation commented on the Foundation website that fish oils are safe for people with gout and he recommends daily intake of at least 2,000 mg/day of high quality fish oil.
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