Dietary omega-3 fats for treatment of inflammatory joint disease: efficacy and utility

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2008 May;34(2):469-79. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2008.03.003.

Abstract

There is high level evidence (meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials) for symptomatic benefits from fish oil use in rheumatoid arthritis, and there is biologic plausibility for its clinical effects. Fish oil also has safety advantages in reducing cardiovascular risk via direct cardiovascular effects and via nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-sparing. This is an important aspect of fish oil use, given the increased cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis. Perceived barriers to clinical use are readily addressed.

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diet therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / metabolism
  • Dietary Fats / pharmacokinetics
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / diet therapy
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3