Arthritis Foundation
Interested in supplements to ease arthritis symptoms but don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place. This guide provides thorough research of the most popular supplements and herbs used for arthritis to help you figure out what’s right for you. While some of these supplements may help treat arthritis symptoms, nothing can substitute doctor-prescribed medications, a healthy diet and exercise. And remember – always talk to your doctor before adding a new supplement to your regimen. Just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s without side effects or safe to mix with your medication. For more tips on choosing safe supplements, read this article.
Fish Oil
Origin: Oil from cold-water fish such as mackerel, salmon, herring, tuna, halibut and cod, which are all rich sources of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. Your body can’t make them, so you need to get them from fatty fish or supplements.
Claims: Reduces inflammation and morning stiffness. Treats rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, psoriasis, depression and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Important for brain function and may inhibit RA development.
What we know: Omega-3s block many sources of inflammation, including prostaglandins (pro-inflammatory cytokines) and inflammation-causing leukotrienes. They’re also converted by the body into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals.
Studies: Fish oil has been extensively studied for dozens of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. A 2017 systematic review looked at the benefits of fish oil for RA, lupus and osteoarthritis (OA). Of 20 trials involving RA, almost all found that fish oil – in daily doses ranging from 0.2 to nearly 5 grams of EPA and 0.2 to 2.1 grams of DHA – significantly reduced joint pain, stiffness and swelling, and reduced or eliminated patients’ use of NSAIDs. Five of seven studies found fish oil improved lupus disease activity in the short-term. Four studies for OA were inconclusive, but other research has found fish oil helps reduce OA pain. It’s also an effective treatment for gout and may even help prevent gout flares. Some dermatologists recommend fish oil for their patients with psoriatic arthritis because it may help both skin and joint symptoms.
Dosage: Fish, capsules, softgels, chewable tablets or liquid. For general health, two 3-ounce servings of fish a week are recommended, but supplements are the best source to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil. Plus, fish is more likely to be contaminated with mercury and PCBs, which are less common in high-quality supplements. Use fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA/ DHA, the active ingredients. For lupus and psoriasis, 2 g EPA/DHA three times a day. For RA and OA, up to 2.6 g, twice a day. For depression, 6.6 g daily. For psoriasis, at least 1,000 mg a day. Prescription fish oils contain high doses of EPA and DHA; you can get the same amounts over the counter, just look for “high potency.” Philip Barr, MD, a physician at Duke Integrative Medicine in North Carolina, recommends the Nordic Naturals brand for potency and purity.
* Check with your doctor if you’re taking blood-thinners because fish oil could increase their effect.
* Due to potentially dangerous levels of mercury, women who are pregnant or hoping to conceive should avoid eating shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish and should eat no more than 8 ounces of albacore tuna each month.
