Fish Oil Dosage For Arthritis

Fish oil comes primarily from cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, albacore tuna and sardines. It is rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, which are polyunsaturated fats that you must get from food. Several studies demonstrate that fish oil can relieve arthritis. However, your doctor can provide more guidance on taking fish oil for arthritis and the dosage.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of 100 medical conditions that include osteoarthritis -- the most common form of arthritis -- rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia. Almost 46 million adults and 300,000 children in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The primary symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, swelling, stiffness and loss of joint function. In some cases, arthritis may also be more systemic, affecting internal organs, blood vessels and your skin.

Effects on Arthritis

Inflammation plays a key role in some forms of arthritis, but not all. Omega-3 essential fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties. For instance, the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid in fish oil is a natural inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2, two substances that increase inflammation in your body. Omega-3 fats can also alleviate common arthritis symptoms such as morning stiffness and joint pain. However, there's no proof that fish oil can slow the progression of arthritis or reverse any associated joint damage.

Evidence

Most studies on fish oil and arthritis have focused on rheumatoid arthritis, although it may also be beneficial for osteoarthritis. In one study published in the "Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition" in 2010, a team of Austrian researchers conducted a study on 23 patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Those who received 0.2 g of fish oil intravenously for 14 consecutive days and then took 0.05 g of fish oil in capsule form for 20 weeks experienced significant reductions in swelling, as well as some reduction in tenderness.

Dosage for Arthritis

A dose of 3 g of eicosepantenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is generally considered safe, according to an Australian study published in the journal "Arthritis Research and Therapy" in 2005. However, any dose equal or above 2.7 g of EPA plus DHA will provide the necessary anti-inflammatory effects, note the researchers. You can easily get this dose by consuming liquid fish oil in juice. But you can also take fish oil in capsule form. Note the amount of EPA and DHA in each capsule so you can get the recommended amount of 2.7 to 3 g.

Side Effects

Fish oil is generally safe to take. However, if you're pregnant, have a bleeding disorder, asthma or any other medical problem, consult your doctor before taking fish oil for arthritis. Also, some people experience nausea, diarrhea, gas and halitosis when taking fish oil. Your breath, skin and urine may also develop a fishy smell, according to Creighton University.