Gout is type of arthritis. It usually affects one joint in the body -- often the big toe, causing excruciating pain. The affected joint is usually highly swollen and inflamed. It occurs when a waste product known as uric acid accumulates in the blood and forms crystals in the joints. If you regularly suffer from attacks of gout, your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and inflammation. Taking a fish oil supplement may reduce inflammation, although evidence that it is an effective gout remedy is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking a fish oil supplement for gout.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat with numerous health benefits. Fish oil is extracted from fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, cod liver and halibut. According to MedlinePlus, fish oil plays a role in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, asthma, glaucoma and kidney disease. It may also treat conditions characterized by pain and swelling.
Sources and Administration
Fish oil may be obtained by eating fatty fish or is available in capsules and liquid. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking one to two fish oil capsules, or 1 tbsp. of fish oil daily may reduce inflammation and promote general health in gout sufferers.
Effectiveness
Studies evaluating fish oil's potential as a gout treatment are lacking. However, an article published in the "American Journal of Health System Pharmacy" in July 2009 notes that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, reduces the synthesis of inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, and that they may benefit conditions characterized by inflammation. An analysis of clinical data published in the May 2007 issue of "Pain" notes that omega-3 fatty acids may also help to reduce joint pain.
Safety Considerations
Fish oil supplements may cause side effects such as flatulence, heartburn, nausea, rash and bad breath. Taking up to 3 g of fish oil daily is likely safe, according to MedlinePlus. Taking more than this, however, may not be safe as it may hinder the blood's ability to clot and lower your immune system's ability to fight infection. Its use is contraindicated in several conditions including bipolar disorder, HIV and liver disease. Bear in mind that it may also interact with other medicines you may be taking including anti-hypertensives and anticoagulants.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "American Journal of Health System Pharmacy"; Therapeutic Potential of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Disease; J.W. Fetterman and M.M. Zdanowicz; July 2009
- "Pain": A Meta-Analysis of the Analgesic Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation for Inflammatory Joint Pain; R.J. Goldberg and J. Katz; May 2007
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