Fish Oil Improves Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
A recent study published in the Journal of Rheumatology (2000;27:2343-46) found that shifting dietary balance away from omega 6 oil (commonly found in vegetable oils) and towards omega 3 oil (found in fish oil) significantly alleviates symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
In this study, subjects were instructed to restrict their dietary intake of omega 6 oil, then one group received fish oil supplements and another group received olive oil. Researchers found that after 15 weeks the fish oil group exhibited “statistically significant improvements in 6 of 9 measures of disease activity”. Improvements included less pain, fewer tender and swollen joints, and reduced stiffness. No significant improvements were observed in the olive oil group. Fish oil contains certain fatty acids that have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory action with no side effects. The best results are obtained when fish oil is used in combination with diet changes and other synergistic nutrients.