Long-term effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in active rheumatoid arthritis. A 12-month, double-blind, controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To study the long-term effects of supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (omega 3) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.


METHODS
Ninety patients were enrolled in a 12-month, double-blind, randomized study comparing daily supplementations with either 2.6 gm of omega 3, or 1.3 gm of omega 3 + 3 gm of olive oil, or 6 gm of olive oil.


RESULTS
Significant improvement in the patient's global evaluation and in the physician's assessment of pain was observed only in those taking 2.6 gm/day of omega 3. The proportions of patients who improved and of those who were able to reduce their concomitant antirheumatic medications were significantly greater with 2.6 gm/day of omega 3.


CONCLUSIONS
Daily supplementation with 2.6 gm of omega 3 results in significant clinical benefit and may reduce the need for concomitant antirheumatic medication.
Geusens
P
P
Arthritis and Metabolic Bone Disease Research Unit, K. U. Leuven, U. Z. Pellenberg, Belgium.
Wouters
C
C
Nijs
J
J
Jiang
Y
Y
Dequeker
J
J
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils