Osteoarthritis: Omega-3s to reduce symptoms by 50 percent

Osteoarthritis: half the symptoms thanks to Omega 3 supplements

A diet rich in fish or flaxseed oil, sources of omega-3 fatty acids, can significantly reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis. This is shown by a study published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, in which researchers at the University of Bristol (UK) found that a diet high in these fatty acids reduced symptoms of the disease by 50 percent. According to the findings, Omega-3s introduced through the diet can slow the progression of osteoarthritis and, if the disease has not yet occurred, prevent it. John Tarlton, coordinator of the research, explained that data collected in the experiments suggest that Omega-3s may interfere with the biochemical mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis. The authors hypothesize that these fatty acids may be useful both for preventive purposes and to treat an already ongoing condition.

Cartilage, inflammation and Omega-3

Among the main causes of osteoarthritis is the loss of cartilage that covers the end of the bones. This phenomenon causes thinning of the underlying bone tissue, leading to joint soreness and pain. Currently, there is no cure that slows the progression of the disease. All that can be done is to try to relieve the pain and possibly replace the joint. Not only that, the typical Western diet, precisely because it is poor in important nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties such as Omega-3, promotes the onset of various inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis. In addition, it has been hypothesized that these fatty acids increase bone density, another important factor for this disease. Tarlton and colleagues confirmed the importance played by Omega-3s, finding that enriching the diet with these fatty acids leads to a reduction in disease symptoms.

Omega-3s reduce symptoms of the disease

To reach this conclusion, the researchers studied the effect of an Omega-3-rich diet in guinea pigs. These animals, Tarlton explained, are the most appropriate model for studyingnatural and spontaneous osteoarthritis. Therefore, the results obtained in this study support the hypothesis of the usefulness of Omega-3s in treating the same condition in humans. Theefficacy of Omega-3s was evaluated both in piglets naturally predisposed to develop osteoarthritis and in animals resistant to the disease. Both received a standard or rich diet of these fatty acids for a period ranging from 10 to 30 weeks. It was thus observed that in piglets prone to develop osteoarthritis fed Omega-3, many of the parameters associated with the disease tended to assume values similar to those typical of healthy animals. These parameters include degradation of collagen within cartilage and loss of molecules responsible for the ability to cushion trauma.

Omega-3, the answer to an urgent demand

The authors stressed that the search for preventive treatments is of paramount importance: in 2020, this condition could become the fourth most common cause of disability. Now, Tarlton explained, these findings must also be confirmed in the treatment of human osteoarthritis.    

Source 

1. Knott L, Avery NC, Hollander AP, Tarlton JF, "Regulation of osteoarthritis by omega-3(n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in a naturally occurring model of disease," Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011 Sep;19(9):1150-7. Epub 2011 Jul 1