Finding the right balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body, seems to be of particular importance in reducing the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
The first scientific publication relating the benefits of fish oils on an inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, was in The London Medical Journal in 1783, describing the then current practice at Manchester Infirmary. Over the past 20 years interest has been re-awakened and data has steadily accumulated detailing these benefits.
It appears that the omega-3 fatty acid EPA has particular impact and that it is associated with ameliorating the inflammatory effects of excess omega-6 fatty acids, or of an imbalance between the two fatty acid groups.
This growing body of evidence indicates that the moderating effects of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammation are beneficial in the management of a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Significant research reports up to early 2002 were reviewed by Dr Artemis Simopoulos of the Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health in Washington DC. The 100 papers cited cover a broad range of conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and asthma as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
Current interest in omega-3 fatty acids and rheumatoid arthritis began in the mid-80s. Since then many randomised controlled clinical trials have shown a benefit from fish oil supplements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, most of which show a reduction in symptoms, the number of tender joints and in morning stiffness.
Many patients taking the supplements reduced their use of the pain-relieving anti-inflammatory drugs. The dosage rates used in these studies vary widely, for example one study used daily doses of 1.8g EPA and 0.9g DHA while another used 3.6g EPA and 2.4g DHA. Clear benefits were observed in both.
In her conclusions, Dr Simopoulos observed that a better balance of omega-3 with omega-6 is important — current western diets being too low in the former and too high in the latter and she suggests eating fish two to three times a week or taking fish oil supplements.