Arthritis affects the joints and bones, causing pain, stiffness and inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis, The most common forms are osteoarthritis, which affects cartilage, a tissue that cushions the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the lining of the joints. There is no cure for arthritis, but a number of drugs are available to help slow disease progression and alleviate pain -- for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role in the treatment of arthritis, but should not be used in place of medicines. Get medical clearance before taking an omega-3 supplement for arthritis.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that may play a role in the treatment of numerous medical conditions, including schizophrenia, cancer and atherosclerosis. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, they might also reduce the strength of the body's inflammatory response and, therefore, may play a role in the treatment of conditions characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis.
Administration
Many people opt to take a fish oil supplement as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Oily fish such as tuna, herring, salmon and cod liver are also rich sources of omega-3s. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that taking up to 2.6 g of fish oil daily might help alleviate inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and suggests taking one to two capsules or 1 tbsp. of fish oil daily for osteoarthritis. Don't take more than 3 g of fish oil daily, as it might increase the risk of bleeding, MedlinePlus warns.
Effectiveness
MedlinePlus states that either taking fish oil alone or combining it with the drug naproxen might help people with rheumatoid arthritis recover from morning stiffness more quickly. Some people who take fish oil may be able to reduce their use of pain medicines, but don't do this unless advised to by your doctor. Evidence to show omega-3 fatty acids are effective for the other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, is weak. An analysis of clinical data published in the March 2010 issue of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" concludes there is insufficient evidence to rate omega-3 fatty acids as an osteoarthritis treatment.
Safety Considerations
Taking up to 3 g of fish oil daily as a source of omega-3 is likely safe for most adults, says MedlinePlus, but it can cause side effects such as nosebleeds, nausea and belching. Fish oil is contraindicated in several conditions, including liver disease, bipolar disorder, hypertension and HIV/AIDS. It may also interact with other medicines you may be taking -- for example, oral contraceptives or anticoagulants.
References
- NHS Choices: Arthritis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Omega-3
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoarthritis
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Antioxidants and Antiinflammatory Dietary Supplements for Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis; C.C. Rosenbaum, et al.; March 2010
Member Comments