The effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double blind trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of dietary supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on disease variables in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.


METHODS
Multicenter, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind.


METHODS
Three Danish hospital Departments of Rheumatology.


METHODS
Fifty-one patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.


METHODS
Random allocation to 12 weeks of treatment with either six n-3 PUFA capsules (3.6 g) or six capsules with fat composition as the average Danish diet.


RESULTS
Significant improvement of morning stiffness and joint tenderness. No significant effect on the four other assessed clinical parameters. No serious side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved two out of six patient reported disease parameters. Further studies are needed to clarify the more precise role of n-3 PUFA in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Nielsen
G L
GL
Department of Rheumatology, Aalborg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Faarvang
K L
KL
Thomsen
B S
BS
Teglbjaerg
K L
KL
Jensen
L T
LT
Hansen
T M
TM
Lervang
H H
HH
Schmidt
E B
EB
Dyerberg
J
J
Ernst
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood; D011347:Procollagen / Q000097:blood
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011347:Procollagen; C042813:procollagen type I carboxy terminal peptide; D002097:C-Reactive Protein