title: Effects of modulation of inflammatory and immune parameters in patients with rheumatic and inflammatory disease receiving dietary supplementation of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids.
abstract: To describe the rationale and status of n-3 and n-6 fatty acid dietary supplementation in patients with inflammatory disease. The most recent literature is reviewed with a focus on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as most investigations have described the use of n-3 supplements in this disease entity. Investigations from Europe, the United States, and Australia have described consistent improvement in tender joint scores with many investigators also observing improvements in morning stiffness. A meta analysis has confirmed the predictable improvement in tender joints. Recent studies also suggest that some patients with RA are able to discontinue nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while receiving n-3 fatty acids. A large number of peer reviewed publications from around the world have established the utility of dietary supplementation with n-3 fatty acids in reducing tender joint counts and morning stiffness in patients with RA. Some patients are also able to discontinue NSAIDs while on these supplements.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Albany Medical College, New York 12208, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kremer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology*; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
chemical_list: D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated