Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease causing the immune system to attack normal cells in the body, resulting in tissue damage and inflammation. In lupus the immune system produces antibodies that damage the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, nervous system, skin and lungs. There is no cure for lupus, but certain drugs that suppress the immune system and others that treat the symptoms, such as joint pain, improve the quality of life of people with lupus. Recent clinical studies demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid found in high concentrations in fish oil improve the symptoms of lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America notes that the studies are encouraging but recommends consulting with a doctor before taking fish oil supplements.
SLAM Scores
A clinical study in the August 2004 issue of "The Journal of Rheumatology" reports that patients with lupus that were given 3 g of MaxEPA, a fish oil supplement containing 360 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid and 240 mg of docosahexaenoic acid, reduced systemic markers of lupus. In this study the authors evaluated systemic lupus activity measurement scores, also known as SLAM. SLAM scores report on multiple markers of cardiovascular, skin, kidney, liver, lung and nervous system health.
Cardiovascular Health
The risk of developing cardiovascular disease is very high in patients with lupus. A clinical study in the June 2008 issue of "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" reports that administration of 3 g of omega-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids to patients with lupus significantly improved cardiovascular health.
Kidney Inflammation
Kidney inflammation is common in people with lupus. A study in the September-October 2005 issue of "In Vivo" reports that eicosapentaenoic acid reduced oxidative stress markers of kidney inflammation in patients with lupus. In this study patients were administered 1,800 mg of a purified ester of eicosapentaenoic acid for three months.
References
- Pubmed: "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases"; A Randomized Interventional Trial of Omega-3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Endothelial Function and Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; S. A. Wright et al.; June 2008
- Pubmed: "The Journal of Rheumatology"; The Clinical Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fish Oils and/or Copper in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; E.M. Duffy et al.; August 2004
- Pubmed: "In Vivo"; Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acids on Oxidative Stress and Plasma Fatty Acid Composition in Patients with Lupus Nephritis; N. Nakamura et al.; September-October 2005
- Lupus Foundation of America: Olés for Omega-3s
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