Omega 3 intravenously? Good for combating rheumatoid arthritis

Intravenous administration of Omega-3 can counteract the swelling and joint pain typical of rheumatoid arthritis. The benefits obtained in this way can be prolonged if the therapy is continued by having patients take the same fatty acids orally. This was discovered by a group of researchers led by Babak Bahadori of State Hospital Muerzzuschlag (Muerzzuschlag, Austria), in a study whose results were published in JPEN-Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Omega-3 to prevent and to treat

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints. Its incidence decreases with regular consumption of fish, a major source of Omega-3. The effectiveness of these fatty acids is not limited, however, to preventing the disease. In fact, the administration of these nutrients also reduces its symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. According to some studies, this effect is based on the ability of Omega-3s to keep inflammatory reactions in check. Not only that, the intake of these fatty acids reduces the need to take anti-inflammatory drugs to combat joint pain.

Intravenous administration of omega-3 for the treatment of symptoms

Bahadori and colleagues tested the efficacy and safety of administering Omega-3 directly into the veins to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The study involved 23 patients with moderate to severe forms of the disease. Each individual was randomly selected to receive an Omega-3 rich fish oil emulsion or, as a placebo, a saline solution. In both cases, administration involved intravenous infusion for 14 consecutive days. Over the next 20 weeks, patients took capsules containing fish oil or, again as a placebo , kerosene wax. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring the number of swollen and painful joints.

The effectiveness of intravenous intake

At the beginning of treatment, the number of swollen and painful joints was similar in all patients. After 1 week of infusion, those who had taken Omega-3 had significantly fewer swollen joints than those who had received placebo. After the second week of treatment, the researchers observed that the difference between the 2 groups continued to be significant. The differences in the count of painful joints, however, were less striking. Both swelling and pain were also significantly lower in those patients who continued to take oral Omega-3 instead of placebo capsules after the 14-day infusion.

An effective and safe approach

Based on the data collected, the research authors concluded that the administration of Omega-3 directly into the vein is effective in reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. At the same time, Bahadori and colleagues showed that this type of approach is well tolerated by patients. On the other hand, continuing treatment with oral administration of the fatty acids prolongs the beneficial effects.