Long‐term effect of omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation in active rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective. To study the long-term effects of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (03) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.Methods. Ninety patients were enrolled in a 12-month, double-blind, randomized study comparing daily supplementations with either 2.6 gm of 03, or 1.3 gm of 0 3 + 3 gm of olive oil, or 6 gm of olive oil.Results. Significant improvement in the patient's global evaluation and in the physician's assessment of pain was observed only in those taking 2.6 gdday of d. The proportions of patients who improved and of those who were able to reduce their concomitant antirheumatic medications were significantly greater with 2.6 gmlday of 03.Conclusion. Daily supplementation with 2.6 gm of 0 3 results in significant clinical benefit and may reduce the need for concomitant antirheumatic medication.

Nutrient supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients in rheumatoid arthritis: clinical and biochemical effects

“…One study comparing low-and high-dose omega-3 PUFA (27 mg/kg EPA þ 18 mg/kg DHA vs 54 mg/kg EPA þ 36 mg/kg DHA, respectively) showed equal Nutrient supplementation in RA PHJ Remans et al effectiveness on tender and swollen joint counts, but only effects on other variables in the high-dose group (Kremer et al, 1990). Another study comparing the daily supplements with either 2.6 g of omega-3 PUFA, 1.3 g omega-3 PUFA plus 3 g olive oil, or 6 g olive oil in patients with active RA only found significant clinical benefit in the first group (Geusens et al, 1994). GLA has been shown to be clinically effective in RA at doses higher than 0.45 g/day, but the possibility of a dose dependence of these effects could explain the lack of efficacy in our trial.…”

Alteration of polyunsaturated fatty acid status and metabolism in health and disease

“…Clinical improvements in tender joint scores and morning stiffness have been reported with 278 N. Zamaria the fish oil [55]. In addition, fish oil supplements are associated with a decreased production of IL-1 and LTB4 which should aid in the amelioration of inflammation.…”

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements improve the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects with metabolic syndrome, including markers of inflammation and auto-immunity

“…Intervention studies using ω-3 PUFA have shown that they have anti-inflammatory effects in patients with chronic inflammatory conditions 14 . In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that ω-3 PUFA can modulate the immune system 15,16 ,probably by decreasing production of prostaglandins such as PGE 2 and leukotrienes such as LTB 4 .…”