Omega-3 Fatty Acids And The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, which commonly affects bones and joints, is a type of autoimmune, inflammatory form of arthritis.

It is estimated that 2.1 million people worldwide are affected by RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis normally affects older adults, however, younger adults and children can also be diagnosed with this type of arthritis.

It affects more women than men, and can contribute to healthcare costs directly associated with medication.

Recent statistics show that RA may be on the decline, but more definitive data needs to be gathered before this can be verified.

One of the treatment options for RA is to block the action of arachidonic acid, which has been shown in research to increase inflammation in your body.

Omega-3 fatty acids, however, have also been shown to reduce inflammation levels, therefore improving many facets of health.

Now, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids may be a new treatment option to include
in the treatment of symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Let me explain…

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and RA

Rheumatoid arthritis could cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and joint disfiguration.

However, due to the fact that RA is an inflammatory type of arthritis, some treatment options are used to block the activity of arachidonic acid, which has been shown to increase inflammation.

The use of omega-3 fatty acids has been shown (in previous studies) to reduce inflammation, by competing with arachidonic acid to release less inflammatory cytokines.

The omega-3 fatty acid, EPA, has been shown to increase eicosanoid mediators that could produce less inflammatory cytokines, therefore potentially reducing inflammation in your body.

Like DHA, however, EPA has also been shown to increase the production of resolvins which are less inflammatory and may even resolve inflammation.

Plus, according to this study, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to affect dendritic and T-cell function, plus reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (both of which lead to inflammation).

Previous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids could slow the development of RA and arthritis, however, these findings were found in animal studies.

The authors of this study performed a meta-analysis looking at the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on RA in current and past research.

They found 23 studies that fell within the search criteria.

From their work, they concluded that omega-3 fatty acids showed a benefit to joint pain, morning stiffness, global pain assessments, disease activity, and the use of NSAIDs in people suffering from RA.

Although this research is very encouraging, more research is needed in order to verify their findings.  However, this could potentially provide a new option for the treatment of common symptoms associated with RA.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Your Health

According to clinical studies, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to enhance health, by reducing inflammation associated with chronic disease.

They have also been shown effective at lowering cholesterol, improving eye and brain health, and even enhancing reproductive health.

Now, according to the results of this study, omega-3 fatty acids may be effective at reducing common symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

By including omega-3 fatty acids into your daily routine (through fish or a high quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement), you could enhance many different aspects of your health.


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