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Fish oil is often recommended for people with arthritis and many people take it regularly to help ease the pain and stiffness in the joints as a result of osteoarthritis. However, there has been a lot of speculation amongst health professionals as to whether a daily dose of fish oil really does help alleviate the symptoms that is characteristic of osteoarthritis as the effects of Omega 3 haven't been thoroughly investigated in a randomized trial.
Now according to the results of a new study, the indications are that even those taking a low dose of fish oil are likely to see a reduction in the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The research lasted for 2 years and was a randomized double blind clinical trial carried out in Australia and Tasmania in several hospitals and universities.
The government funded study involved 200 patients over the age of 40 with an average age of 60, who had Osteoarthritis and were experiencing pain. The researchers wanted to compare the difference between the benefits of a high dose of Omega 3 fish oil with a low dose and specifically were looking for changes in pain levels and in disability. They assessed the patients at the beginning of the trial and also at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index or WOMAC Index. This is a standardized questionnaire used to evaluate pain levels, joint stiffness and disability in people with knee and hip osteoarthritis
Approximately half of the participants were given a low dose of fish oil and the remaining half got a high dose. After a year there was a clinically important improvement seen in both groups but no noticeable difference between those taking a low dose and those taking a high dose.
Interestingly, the researchers discovered that after a period of two years those taking a low dose of Omega 3 fish oil saw greater improvements in the WOMAC scale for pain and disability than those taking a higher dose. There was also a higher dropout rate, particularly in the earlier part of the trial, in those taking the higher dose of fish oil. The researchers concluded that the lower dose of fish oil was "superior" but said they weren't sure exactly why the low dose of fish oil resulted in greater benefits
There is currently no cure for Osteoarthritis which is also known as degenerative joint disease. The condition is caused by wear and tear on the joints and commonly affects the weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips but can also affect the wrists, feet, and spine. In fact Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body. The joints become painful when the bone cartilage that protects the joints breaks down exposing the bone and causing friction and damage. Apart from intense pain, other symptoms include stiffness, inflammation and a reduction in mobility. Environmental conditions such as humidity and cold can exacerbate the symptoms. Sometimes patients with Osteoarthritis will need to have joint replacement surgery in order to increase mobility, lessen pain and improve quality of life.
Osteoarthritis currently affects around 8 million people in the UK and 27 million people in the US and is a leading cause of disability. Most people with arthritis rely heavily on anti inflammatory medication to alleviate their suffering Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are not ideal on a long term basis as anti inflammatory drugs can cause damage to the stomach over time. A number of studies have indicated that long term use of fish oil can reduce the need for NSAIDs.
According to Arthritis Australia, the amount of Omega 3 fish oil needed to reduce inflammation and help control the symptoms of arthritis is 2.7 grams daily although a lower dose than this will help improve heart health and health in general
Taking omega 3 fish oil EPA ,has been found to be very beneficial for a host of health probelms, for more information about fish oil and how it can help come and visit.
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