Does fish oil help arthritis?

I wonder if any of you reading this remember having to take a daily dose of cod liver oil to improve your health? My mother certainly can, and she remembers dreading each morning having to swallow a large spoonful- it certainly didn't feel  as if it was improving her health at the time as she generally felt queasy for the next hour!

Managing the symptoms of arthritis is an on going  daily discipline and  many arthritis charities recommend different ways that you can help yourself manage your symptoms. Apart from taking your medication,  regular exercise and  a balanced diet  are also key to reducing your pain.

However a study recently published  in Australia has hi-lighted the benefits  of taking fish oil along with regular therapy for early onset rheumatoid arthritis. It has already been determined that fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which can help to reduce inflammation and pain associated with RA and as result patients were able to reduce their intake of anti- inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.

The study from the University of Adelaide set out to determine whether  fish oil had even more benefits  for its disease modifying capabilities and not just for its effects on reducing joint swelling and pain.

Patients in the early onset of RA (less than 12 months) were divided into two groups, one was given a high dose of fish oil and another a low dose. In addition patients also received more conventional medication and were monitored by their doctors.

However, increasing the amount of times you eat fish will not provide enough fish oil to have a therapeutic effect, the author of the study recommends that the necessary dosage be taken in the form of a supplement.

Results showed that the patients who went into remission from the disease with the treat-to- target approach, and took the high dose of fish oil also  needed fewer steps and fewer DMARDs to control their disease.. The reason, according to the study was that omega-3 fatty acids acted  like anti-inflammatories  in the body. 

Whilst the study does not recommend replacing DMARD therapy with fish oil, it suggests that supplementing it with  fish oil could be helpful particularly as it can reduce the use of  anti-inflammatory drugs.

You may also know that Omega 3 fatty acids help support the cardiovascular and circulatory systems in the body - conditions that are at increased for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

The fortunate news for my mother and those like her is that today fish oil comes in easy to swallow capsules  such as Eskimo Brainsharp ,and even if you prefer to take the oil in liquid form at least Eskimo 3 comes in a pleasant lemon or lime flavour.

We'd love to hear what you think about this study. Why not contact us via our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter? Alternatively drop us an email on services@arthritissupermarket.co.uk 

Sunlight may lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women

On arrival at Arthritis Supermarket this morning it was great to hear that we had all managed to get out and spend some time in the early Spring sunshine. Although it was only last week that the UK was recovering from its second bout of snow, you may just have noticed that the mornings are beginning to get a little lighter even if it’s just a minute or so each day. 

                                            

It may also surprise you to know that as well as making us feel like the dark days of winter are behind us, the sunshine is actually good for us! A recent article in the BMJ suggested that there may be a link between sunlight and rheumatoid arthritis.The researchers speculated that Vitamin D, which is produced within the body as a result of the skin’s exposure to sunlight may also help to protect the body.

 Leading medical research charity Arthritis Research UK  hi-light the benefits that adequate Vitamin D levels can bring. The action of ultraviolet light  from the sun on the skin  aids the absorption of calcium, which in turn helps to build strong bones. Vitamin D may also help prevent bone loss and muscle weakness.

Some studies have also shown that by getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D this may help to slow down the progress of osteoarthritis in the hip. In another larger study begun in 1986 it was found that those who had less than 200 IU of vitamin D each day had a 33% greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis ,although researchers were unsure as to why this should occur- perhaps  because of the effects upon the immune system. If you are concerned about your Vitamin D levels visit your GP.

Arthritis Research UK advise that by exposing your arms and face to  15 minutes  of sunshine a day (making sure of course that you don’t allow your skin to redden and taking care not to burn)  can help the body manufacture  an adequate supply of Vitamin D.

Experts suggest that generally the best time for your body to manufacture Vitamin D is during the sunny(!) months from about the end of March through to September

In the less sunny months, you can help yourself by topping up your vitamin D levels through a varied diet by eating more oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, pilchards and sardines. Other sources include egg yolks, butter and cheese and foods fortified with Vitamin D including breakfast cereals and milk.You might also consider taking a dietary supplement, but always check with your doctor before taking them.

As we well know, the British weather cannot always be relied upon, and when you factor in concerns over skin cancer and our increasingly indoor lifestyles, taking a supplement may help you to store the Vitamin D your body needs to sustain you throughout the year.

 Here at the Arthritis Supermarket our Vitamin D supplement contains 1000 IU (international units) per tablet, which gives you your recommended daily allowance.

We hope that the sun continues to shine in your part of the world.