Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation that leads to pain, swelling and loss of mobility affects around 1.3 million Americans, with more women than men affected, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Many of the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, often shortened to RA, have potentially serious side effects. Over-the-counter supplements may, in some cases, reduce the amount of medication needed to control pain and inflammation. Always ask your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplement, since they also can have serious side effects.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains two omega-3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA. Because fish oils can reduce inflammation, several studies have assessed their effects on RA. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, fish oil supplementation in RA appears to reduce joint tenderness and morning stiffness, and may also decrease the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication needed. Fish oil only improves the symptoms of RA and does not prevent continued joint destruction. Since fish oil can cause stomach upset as well as internal bleeding in some people, this may be helpful. However, fish oil can also increase bleeding in people taking blood thinners and may also increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. It may take as long as 12 weeks for fish oil to have any benefit, Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center warns. Ask your doctor before taking fish oil supplements for RA.
Borage Oil
Borage oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, a type of omega-6 fatty acid that may benefit RA patients. Like fish oil, borage oil may decrease the symptoms, including joint tenderness and stiffness, and may also decrease the amount of NSAIDS needed to treat pain. In a 1996 study by the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, 14 out of 22 people showed clinical improvement within six months, compared to four out of 19 treated with placebo, Spectrum reports. Though borage oil is generally safe, some preparations contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can cause liver damage, NCCAM warns. Don't take borage oil without discussing its use with your doctor.
Calcium
People with RA often experience weight loss and nutritional deficiencies. Chronic inflammation may increase metabolism and cause protein breakdown. Calcium deficiency can lead to bone density loss and osteoporosis. Bone density is also impacted by corticosteroid use, common to quell inflammation in people with RA. Corticosteroids can cause bone loss. People with RA should take calcium supplements to offset bone loss from these sources, Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center advises.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency occurs more commonly in parts of the United States with decreased sunlight exposure. A recent study by the Boston University School of Public Health found that rheumatoid arthritis affects women more often in states like Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The study examined data from the Nurse's Health study, which followed a large group of nurses between 1988 and 2002, Science daily reports. Vitamin D supplementation may also help calcium absorption and decrease bone loss. More studies are needed to assess the benefit of vitamin D supplementation in preventing RA.
References
- Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Rheumatoid Arthritis and CAM
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "Journal of Rheumatology:" Collateral Benefits of Fish Oil Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spectrum: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Science Daily: Rheumatoid Arthritis Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency, Study Suggests
