Can Omega 3 Reduce The Inflammation Associated With Osteoarthrits ?

Fish oil is widely used by people with arthritis and a number of people take it regularly to help alleviate the pain and stiffness in the joints as a result of osteoarthritis. over the past few years there has been plenty of speculation amongst scientists as to whether a daily dose of omega 3 really does help alleviate the pain and suffering that is experienced by those with osteoarthritis as the effects of fish oil haven't been rigorously investigated in a randomized study.

Now according to the findings of a new study, the indications are that even those taking smaller doses of fish oil may well experience fewer symptoms of osteoarthritis. The research lasted for 2 years and was a rigorously controlled study carried out in Australia and Tasmania in several hospitals and universities.

The government funded trial involved 200 patients over the age of 40 with an average age of 60, who been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and were experiencing pain. The researchers wanted to assess the difference between the positive effects of higher doses of fish oil with lower doses and ultimately were interested in reductions in pain levels and in disability. They assessed the patients at the start of the trial and also at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and the 2 year point using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index or WOMAC Index. This is a standardized questionnaire used to assess pain and mobility in individuals with osteoarthritis in the knees and hips.

Approximately half of the participants were given a low dose of omega 3 and the the rest got a high dose. After 12 months there was a noticeable improvement observed in both groups but no noticeable difference between the lower dose group and the higher dose group.

Interestingly, the researchers did note that at the end point of the trial 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 higher dropout rate, particularly in the first 3 months 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 didn't know exactly why this should be the case.

at the moment there is no cure for Osteoarthritis which is also known as degenerative arthritis. The disease 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 fingers, wrists and toes. In fact Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint in the body. The joints become painful when the cartilage that protects the joints breaks down exposing the bone and causing friction and damage. Apart from unpleasant pain, other effects include stiffness, swelling and reduced mobility. Environmental conditions such as humidity and cold can worsen the symptoms. it's often the case that patients with Osteoarthritis will need to have hip or knee replacements in order to reduce disability, lessen pain and improve quality of life.

Osteoarthritis currently affects approximately 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 arthritis rely mostly on anti inflammatory drugs to reduce their pain Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or NSAIDs are not a good long term solution as anti inflammatory drugs can harm the stomach lining over time. many studies have indicated that long term use of omega 3 can reduce the need for NSAIDs.

According to Arthritis Australia, the amount of Omega 3 required to alleviate inflammation and help control the symptoms of arthritis is 2.7 grams daily although less than this could help improve cardiovascular health and overall well being.