Arthritis is a generic term for inflammation in a joint. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are over 100 conditions and diseases that can cause joint inflammation. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid, are more inflammatory than others. Thus, agents that decrease inflammation are inherently more useful for some forms of arthritis than for others. Fish oil supplements have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for some arthritis sufferers.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oils are a rich source of two omega-3 fatty acids that are associated with a variety of health benefits, some of which have been documented in scientific studies. Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, exert protective effects on your cardiovascular system and reduce the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis; and they may help reduce your risk for some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease or cancer. Much of the benefit derived from omega-3 fatty acids stems from their ability to prevent and reverse inflammation.
Inflammation
Fatty acids are metabolized in your cells by enzymes called lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases, also known as LOX and COX enzymes. Some fatty acids are converted to inflammatory molecules by the LOX and COX systems, while others are converted to anti-inflammatory compounds. According to experts at Harvard Medical School, omega-3 fatty acids exert their benefits by decreasing the production of inflammatory substances, such as prostaglandins, and by forming molecules that actively fight inflammation, such as resolvins and protectins.
Arthritis
A study published in the March 2011 issue of "British Journal of Pharmacology" demonstrated that omega-3-derived resolvins are effective for relieving joint pain due to inflammation. A 2009 review in "Current Pharmaceutical Design" alluded to a growing body of evidence attesting to the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids for reducing pain, joint stiffness and the number of tender joints, as well as to the use of anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Considerations and Recommendations
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Their usefulness in other forms of arthritis remains to be clarified. Fish oil appears to be more effective than flax seed oil for addressing inflammatory disorders. Dr. Artemis Simopoulos from the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health in Washington, D.C., says EPA and DHA are more potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents than alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid derived from flax seed and other plant sources. Daily doses of EPA and DHA in studies showing benefit for arthritis patients have ranged from 2 to 4 g for EPA and from 1 to 3 g for DHA. Ask your doctor if fish oil supplements are appropriate for you.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis Basics
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Fatty Acids From Fish: The Anti-inflammatory Potential of Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids; R. Wall et al.; May 2010
- "British Journal of Pharmacology"; Resolvins and Protectins: Mediating Solutions to Inflammation; P. Kohli, B.D. Levy; October 2009
- "British Journal of Pharmacology"; Resolvins Are Potent Analgesics for Arthritic Pain; Z.Z. Xu, R.R. Ji; March 2011
- "Current Pharmaceutical Design"; Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Immune-Mediated Diseases: Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis; C. Ruggiero et al.; 2009
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases; A.P. Simopoulos; December 2002
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