Fish Oil & Joints

Omega-3 supplements --- including fish oil --- are the nonvitamin or nonmineral natural product adults most commonly use, according to a 2007 survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the National Center for Health Statistics. They are also the second most commonly used supplements by children. You can also benefit from the healthy omega-3 fats that help to relieve joint problems by adding fatty fish to your diet.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fats are types of polyunsaturated fats that are also known as essential fatty acids. They're "essential" because your body does not make them and must get them from food. Omega-3s play vital roles in a variety of functions in your body including normal growth and development, and cognitive and behavioral function. The two types of omega-3s found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA.

Benefits of Omega-3s for Joints

A common disease afflicting joints is rheumatoid arthritis. Classified as an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, pain, swelling and bone loss in the joints. Omega-3s in fish oil help to reduce several of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These fats also boost levels of calcium in your body, thereby helping to prevent bone loss from your joints and elsewhere in your body.

Evidence

A study published in the journal "Surgical Neurology" in April 2006 found that arthritis sufferers experienced less pain after taking omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements. During the four-month study, 250 patients diagnosed with neck or back pain were asked to consume 1,200 mg per day of omega-3s. Of the 125 patients who returned a questionnaire after an average of 75 days, 60 percent reported improvements in joint pain and overall pain. Patients also did not report any significant side effects.

How to Take Fish Oil

Eating fish such as salmon, herring or mackerel at least twice a week will provide enough omega-3 fats for overall health. But to get an appropriate omega-3 dose for joint problems, it's best to consult your doctor. The dose will be based on the amount of EPA and DHA in the supplement. Usually, fish oil capsules contain 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. If you do not consult your doctor, follow the recommended dose on the label. You should not take more than 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily from capsules without medical advice.

Precautions

In low to moderate doses, omega-3 supplements are safe for most adults to take. Possible side effects of fish oil supplements include abdominal bloating, diarrhea, minor gastrointestinal upset, heartburn and indigestion. Seek medical advice before taking fish oil supplements if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a bleeding disorder or you're thinking about giving them to your child. Be sure to tell your doctor if you're taking other medications or natural supplements.