Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, affects the joints. It occurs when the immune system attacks the synovium, a thin tissue that lines the joints, causing swelling and pain. RA is incurable, therefore treatment aims to slow its progression and reduce pain and inflammation. Certain dietary supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, may also help to alleviate RA symptoms. Get medical advice before taking an omega-3 supplement and don't use it in place of treatments your doctor prescribes.
Potential Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated acid. There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids -- eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Sometimes referred to as the "good fats," omega-3s may help to reduce inflammation. The Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website notes that omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate joint tenderness, and in some cases, may allow RA patients to be able to reduce the dose of their prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
Sources and Dosing
You can obtain omega-3 fatty acids by eating oily fish such as albacore tuna, rainbow trout, herring and sockeye salmon. However, you may prefer to take a fish oil supplement in liquid or capsule form. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggest taking up to 2.6 g of fish oil daily to alleviate RA symptoms, while the Mississippi Baptist Health Systems website states that taking up to 5 g daily is appropriate. Bear in mind that the amount you should take may depend on several factors, including other medicines you may be taking and any other health conditions you may have.
Scientific Evidence
The results of a clinical study published in the "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition" in March 2010 show that omega-3 fatty acids help to alleviate joint tenderness in RA patients. The study also found that omega-3 fatty acids reduce swelling. Research published in the "Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin" in August 2009 also shows that omega-3 fatty acids may boost the effects of indomethacin, a prescription medicine sometimes prescribed for RA.
Safety Considerations
Taking up to 3 g of fish oil daily is likely safe for most people, according to MedlinePlus, but it may cause side effects including bad breath, nausea, loose stools and nosebleeds. MedlinePlus adds that taking more than 3 g daily may not be safe as it may inhibit blood clotting. Taking a fish oil supplement as a source of omega-3 fatty acids is not appropriate for everyone; for example, people with diabetes or bipolar disorder should avoid fish oil.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Baptist Health Systems: Good Food Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids Infusions as Adjuvant Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis; B. Bahadori et al.; March 2010
- "Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin"; Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation With Indomethacin in Suppression of Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A.B. Das Gupta et al.; August 2009
- MedlinePlus: Omega-3
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