Omega-3 and Omega-6 reduce cardiovascular risk associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis: with Omega 3 and Omega 6 less cardiovascular risk

Take oils rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 improves the lipid profile of those with rheumatoid arthritis and allows them to reduce cardiovascular risk. This effect could be helpful in decreasing the risk in patients who are prone to a higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disorders. Demonstrating the potential of these nutrients were researchers at the University of Massachusetts-Worcester (USA), in a study published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Rheumatoid arthritis, not just a joint problem

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the synovial joints. Those suffering from this disease are at 1.5 to 3 times higher risk of death than the rest of the population. The difference is mainly due to the higher incidence of cardiovascular disorders, comparable to that of patients with diabetes mellitus. The altered lipid levels and inflammation associated with this disease can lead to the early onset of atherosclerosis. Those with such a condition cannot then sustain the levels of physical activity recommended to reduce cardiovascular risk. For this reason, the search for treatments that can help regulate lipid levels in these patients is of paramount importance.

Fatty acids to control lipidsdi

Fatty acids control inflammatory phenomena and modulate immune responses by introducing themselves into the membranes of cells involved in these processes. Decades of research have highlighted the benefits of Omega-3s for heart health. Previous studies have also shown that the combined intake of oils rich in eicosapenatenoic acid (EPA, an Omega-3) and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA, an Omega-6) reduces symptoms of synovitis, a disease of the membrane that surrounds joints. Worcester researchers conducted a study in which patients with rheumatoid arthritis or synovitis took the following oils:

• borage seed oil (rich in GLA)
• Fish oil (rich in EPA and another Omega-3, docosahexaenoic acid or DHA)
• A combination of both.

In total, patients received the following daily treatment:

• 3.5 g EPA + DHA
• 1.8 g of GLA or 3.5 g of EPA + DHA
• 1.8 g of GLA

All divided into 2-3 doses to be taken with meals.

Proven efficacy on triglycerides and cholesterol

Analysis of triglyceride and cholesterol levels at the beginning of the study and after 9 and 18 months of intake revealed that:

• lipid profile had improved in all patients;
• combined treatment is the most effective.

Specifically, after 9 months, the researchers observed these improvements:

• Reduction in total cholesterol;
• Reduction in LDL ch olesterol (the "bad" cholesterol);
• Reduction in triglyceride levels.

Conversely, HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels were increased.

Finally, the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation was also higher. All the improvements observed at 9 months were also found at the end of 18 months of treatment.

Help from fatty acids

According to the authors, these results indicate that oils rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, especially when used in combination, are an effective therapy to reduce cardiovascular risk in rheumatoid arthritis.  

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Source 1. Olendzki BC, Leung K, Van Buskirk S, Reed G, Zurier RB, "Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with marine and botanical oils: influence on serum lipids," Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:827286. Epub 2011 Oct 9.