Fish Oil & Joint Health

Millions of people live with chronic joint pain. This disorder seriously affects the patient's quality of life and is one of the leading reasons why people go to see a doctor. In severe cases, the pain can lead to disability. Although prescription medication can be effective, physicians have begun to examine alternative methods for improving joint health. Fish oil, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, has increasingly received attention from researchers due to its ability to alleviate joint pain, as the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center notes.

Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish oil contains large concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. They are considered essential, meaning that the body needs them to function but cannot produce them on its own, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Research on humans has shown that omega-3 acids in fish oil can actually relieve joint pain by inhibiting the inflammatory responses from nerves in your body, including those associated with bursitis and arthritis. Studies have also indicated that these fish oils may help reduce the chance of developing arthritis in the first place.

Effect on Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fish oil has been found to have a positive effect on rheumatoid arthritis in clinical studies, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. People who included large amounts of omega-3 in their diet along with their regular medication reported less pain than those who did not take the omega-3 acids. In addition, regular intake of fish oil supplements was associated with greater relief from morning stiffness and tender joints. Finally, fish oil may also reduce the need to take conventional medication for rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is also stressed that more research is required in order to firmly establish fish oil's ability to treat joint pain.

Sources of Omega-3

The best sources of omega-3 fatty acid fish oil are fish varieties with high fat content, usually cold water species, as MayoClinic.com notes. These include salmon, sardines, halibut, catfish, cod, mackerel, lake trout, albacore tuna, bluefish, anchovies, carp, herring, halibut, pompano, striped sea bass and whitefish. Furthermore, lessening intake of foods with high concentrations of omega-6 fatty acids -- which include eggs, oils, non-grass fed chicken and beef -- also boosts levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.

Recommended Dosage

Healthy adults with no history of heart disease should eat fish at least twice a week, the American Heart Association recommends. However, for arthritis-related issues, it may be difficult to obtain an effective amount of fish oil from food alone. Therefore, it may be better to use fish oil supplement capsules with at least 30 percent eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, or EPA/DHA, as Arthritis Today magazine reports. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a dosage of 1.6 g EPA twice a day is advised. Make sure to consult with your doctor first before starting any daily supplement regimen.

Possible Side Effects

People who have diabetes, bleeding disorders, or are currently blood-thinning medications should exercise caution when taking fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Fish oil may also cause bloating, diarrhea, gas and belching. For those increasing their fish consumption, certain types of fish may contain high levels of mercury, dioxins and environmental toxins. Children and pregnant women are advised to avoid fish with the highest mercury contamination potential. These include tilefish, shark, king mackerel and swordfish. Instead, choose tuna, salmon, catfish and shrimp.