Systemic lupus erythematosus, also called just lupus, is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple parts of the body. Chronic inflammation occurring in people with lupus can injure the joints, skin, blood cells and lungs. People who have lupus are at a higher risk for developing chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Fish oil and flaxseed oil are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in several clinical studies. If you have lupus and are considering taking omega-3 supplements, first contact your doctor.
Decreases Inflammation
A study in the August 2004 issue of "The Journal of Rheumatology" reports that inflammatory disease activity was reduced in patients with lupus treated with 3 g of omega-3 fish oil supplements daily for up to 12 weeks. While a few studies have reported disease improvement in people with lupus from increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, evidence from large clinical trials is lacking.
Reduces Cardiovascular Disease
The development and progression of cardiovascular disease is linked to chronic inflammation. A study in the June 2008 issue of the "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases" reports that markers of arterial blood vessel damage were improved in patients with lupus who took 3 g of fish oil daily for 24 weeks.
Decreases Kidney Damage
The chronic inflammation of blood vessels occurring in patients with lupus predisposes these individuals to kidney disease. Results from a small clinical trial published in the April 2001 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" suggest consuming 30 g of ground flaxseed daily may protect against kidney damage in patients with lupus. A review in the October 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Kidney Diseases" reports that the evidence for using supplements containing omega-3 fatty acid for the treatment of kidney diseases is conflicting, and larger studies are required to determine whether they are effective in reducing disease symptoms and increasing patient survival.
References
- MayoClinic: Lupus
- PubMed: The Clinical Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Omega-3 Fish Oils and/or Copper in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Flaxseed in Lupus Nephritis: A Two-Year Nonplacebo-Controlled Crossover Study; William F. Clark et al.; April 2001
- PubMed: A Randomized Interventional Trial of Omega-3-Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Endothelial Function and Disease Activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Lupus Foundation of America: Oles for Omega-3s
- PubMed: Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Kidney Disease
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