Study: Fish Oil, Antioxidants Alleviate Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil improves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis patients and reduces their usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

Those are the findings of British researchers who reviewed a number of previous studies on the role of diet and nutrient supplementation in the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

In their review, the researchers found that some studies documented poor nutrition in rheumatoid arthritis patients and noted that NSAIDs, prescribed to alleviate RA symptoms, may increase the requirement for some nutrients and reduce their absorption.

"Rheumatoid arthritis patients should consume a balanced diet rich in long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids PUFA [also known as omega-3 fatty acids] and antioxidants," concluded the researchers.

The researchers acknowledged that more randomized long-term studies are needed to reinforce the benefits of nutritional supplementation and to determine optimum intake, particularly for omega-3 fatty acids antioxidants.

Journal of Human Nutrition and Diet (2003 Apr;16(2):97-109)