Omega 3 is often recommended for people with inflammatory conditions and many people use it daily to help alleviate the pain and stiffness in the joints caused by osteoarthritis. over the past few years there has been much debate amongst scientists as to whether a regular dose of fish oil really does do anything to alleviate the pain and suffering that is characteristic of osteoarthritis as the effects of Omega 3 haven't been rigorously investigated in a strictly controlled trial.
Now according to the results of a new trial, the indications are that even those using a low dose of Omega 3 may well experience fewer symptoms of osteoarthritis. The research lasted for 2 years and was a rigorously controlled study led by researchers in Australia and Tasmania in several hospitals and universities.
The government backed study involved 200 patients aged 40 and over with an mean age of 60, who been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and were dealing with pain. The researchers wanted to compare the difference between the positive effects of higher doses of Omega 3 with lower doses and ultimately were interested in changes in pain levels and in disability. They assessed the patients at the start of the trial and then again 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 and mobility in patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis
Approximately half of those taking part were given a low dose of omega 3 and the remaining half got a high dose. After a year there was a significant improvement seen in both groups but no noticeable difference between the lower dose group and the higher dose group.
Interestingly, the researchers found that at the 2 year point those taking a low dose of Omega 3 fish oil saw more improvements in the WOMAC scale for symptoms of osteoarthritis than those in the higher dose group. There was also a greater dropout rate, particularly in the earlier part of the study, 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
at the moment there is no cure for Osteoarthritis which is also known as degenerative arthritis. The condition is caused by wear and tear on the joints and often affects the weight bearing joints such as the knees and hips but can also develop in the fingers, wrists and toes. In fact Osteoarthritis can develop in any joint in the body. The joints become painful when the bone cartilage that sheilds the joints wears away 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 increase the severity of the symptoms. it's often the case that 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 major cause of reduced mobility. the majority of individuals with inflammatory conditions like arthritis rely mostly on anti inflammatory drugs to ease their symptoms. Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are not the ideal treatment on a long term basis as anti inflammatory drugs can harm the stomach lining over time. A number of studies have found that prolonged use of omega 3 can reduce the need for NSAIDs.
According to Arthritis Australia, the amount of fish oil required to reduce inflammation and help control the symptoms of arthritis is 2.7 grams daily although less than this will help improve heart health and overall well being.
