Rheumatic complaints are among the most widespread ailments. Many affected individuals turn to natural remedies for treatment. According to a survey conducted in the USA in 2016, three out of five arthritis patients surveyed had already had experience with dietary supplements. Particularly popular are preparations containing omega-3 fatty acids, for example, extracts from the green-lipped mussel, fish oil, or krill oil. This is because these agents are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (abbreviation: EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (abbreviation: DHA). The anti-inflammatory effect of these acids was proven in studies as early as the 90s.
First meta-study on effectiveness
Now, the potential of marine omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has been examined in a meta-analysis. All forms of the disease were included. After excluding non-relevant studies, 42 studies ultimately qualified for the analysis. These studies had treatment periods ranging from two weeks to 18 months. Participants were administered daily EPA doses of between 0.013 and 4.050 grams and daily DHA doses of between 0.010 and 2.7 grams. 32 of the studies examined the effect of marine fatty acids on rheumatic-inflammatory arthritis. Six studies focused on osteoarthritis, and four studies included patients with various other forms of arthritis.
The potential of marine omega-3 fatty acids in arthritis
Overall, the meta-analysis concluded that marine omega-3 fatty acids lead to significant relief in terms of both pain intensity and inflammatory processes. This applied to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of arthritis, but not to people suffering from osteoarthritis.
Beyond the meta-study, omega-3 fatty acids from the sea have a number of other positive effects on your organism. For example, it is proven that they strengthen your immune system.
• Would you like to know which omega-3 products are available? Find out more here.
