What science says about Omega-3 For Arthritis

While scientists and medical experts agree that omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for overall health, they have different views on whether taking omega-3 for arthritis can treat or prevent arthritis.

Some experts concede that omega-3 might help treat arthritis. However, they aren’t sure whether omega-6 and omega-9 fats can benefit people with the condition.

This is because scientists still do not completely understand how omega fats work to treat arthritis. They also don’t know what doses of omega-3, omega-6, or omega-9 fatty acids can prevent or reduce inflammation.

Furthermore, researchers aren’t sure if the benefits the omega fats provide are due to their anti-inflammatory properties or those of other vitamins and minerals in foods that are coincidentally also rich in omega fatty acids.

Most healthcare experts argue that more research is needed to confirm whether omega-3 and omega-6 can treat arthritis because the scientific evidence on the anti-inflammatory action of omega fats is contradictory. Plus, most of the research on the effect of omega fats on arthritis focuses specifically on omega-3 and rheumatoid arthritis. They call for further research on omega-6 and omega-9 fats’ effects on both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Opinion in favor of taking omega-3 to reduce arthritis symptoms:

Supporters of omega fatty acid consumption for arthritis believe that omega fatty acid consumption helps treat arthritis.

Experts believe that omega-3 helps treat or prevent the disease because two types of omega-3 fats, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), play an important role in reducing the inflammation that causes the many symptoms of arthritis. They improve symptoms such as pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.

Some studies have shown that omega-3 provides relief for arthritis and its symptoms. For instance, the study, “Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-analysis” showed that consuming less than 2.7 g of omega-3 per day for three months or more reduces arthritis patients’ consumption of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Plus, some experts believe that omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and treat arthritis. Like omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids produce eicosanoids that lower inflammation. Omega-9 fatty acids can reduce the level of inflammation in the body because they can control the severity of the body’s immune response.

Recent research suggests that omega-6 and omega-9 can also treat arthritis. The review “The place of omega-3 and omega-6 acids in supplementary treatment of inflammatory joint diseases,” examined the effects of omega-3 and omega-6 on different types of arthritis. It indicated that GLA should be “added to the omega-3 supplementation, as it intensifies the anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3 acids.”

Another study, the “Supplementation of fish oil and olive oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,” examined the effect of omega-3 and omega-9 on arthritis patients. It found that they improved more when they took omega-3 supplements with olive oil, which contains omega-9 fatty acids, than when they took omega-3 supplements alone.

Thus, the supporters of omega fatty acid consumption for arthritis argue that all the different omega fatty acids can help treat or prevent arthritis.

Skeptical views about taking omega-3 to reduce arthritis symptoms:

Most experts agree that people need small amounts of omega fatty acids to maintain their overall health. However, some opponents believe there is not enough evidence to prove that omega fatty acids can treat arthritis or reduce its symptoms.

Opponents of omega fatty acid consumption for arthritis argue that the studies conducted on omega-3 for arthritis aren’t credible because the trial sample sizes are too small. They also point out that some studies yield results are not statistically significant because the beneficial effects could be the result of the omega-3 supplements, or something else entirely due to chance.

For instance, in the meta-analysis, “Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis,” arthritis patients who took about 2.7 grams or more of omega-3 experienced benefits. However, the opponents of the use of omega-3 for arthritis argue that the results are not statistically significant and could be due to random chance.

Furthermore, other studies show that omega-3 had little to no effect on arthritis symptoms. One meta-analysis found that some arthritis patients did not report any beneficial effects after consuming omega-3 and other omega fatty acids.

Hence, to ensure accuracy, scientists call for further research on the topic. They ask that studies examining omega-3’s effects on arthritis be designed with larger sample sizes that also include newly diagnosed patients to better assess the impact of omega-3 on all arthritis patients.

In addition to doubts about omega-3’s effectiveness for arthritis, some experts are concerned that omega-6 fatty acids may increase inflammation in arthritis patients, especially if they follow the Standard American Diet (SAD). They argue that people who follow the SAD consume more omega-6 and omega-9 than omega-3. This may cause an imbalance of omega fatty acids in the body and increase inflammation around the joints.

Furthermore, scientists do not quite understand how omega fatty acids work to treat arthritis yet, so they cannot endorse it as a form of treatment for the disease at this time. They call for more research on the different omega fatty acids, their dosages, and their role in arthritis treatment.

Published: December 2020