Omega-3s Help Prevent Osteoarthritis

Another old wives' tale has been proved true: Fish oil is good for your joints. A British study shows that omega-3 fatty acids — the same type of oil found in fatty fish — reduces the progression of osteoarthritis and may even keep it from occurring.

Scientists at the University of Bristol fed a group of guinea pigs which naturally develop osteoarthritis a diet rich in omega-3 oils. They developed 50 percent less arthritis than guinea pigs fed a standard diet.

Lead researcher Dr. John Tarlton said that early symptoms of osteoarthritis, such as the breakdown of collagen in cartilage and the reduction in molecules that give cartilage its ability to absorb shocks, were improved with the use of omega-3s.

"Furthermore," he said in a news release, "there was strong evidence that omega-3 influences the biochemistry of the disease, and therefore not only helps prevent disease, but also slows its progression, potentially controlling established osteoarthritis."

Although the study used guinea pigs as subjects, Dr. Tarlton believes omega-3s would also fight arthritis in humans. "All of the evidence supports the use of omega-3 in human disease," he said.

"The possibility that omega-3 fatty acids could prevent osteoarthritis from developing has been a tantalizing one," said professor Alan Silman, medical research director of Arthritis Research UK.

"Some limited, previous research in dogs has suggested that we were a long way away from understanding the potential use in humans. However, this current research in guinea pigs is exciting as it brings us closer to understanding how omega-3 might fundamentally interfere with the osteoarthritis process, and that it could potentially be taken as a treatment."

Although Dr. Tarlton said that fish oil is more effective than flax oil supplements, flax oil is a viable alternative for vegetarians.

"Most diets in the developed world are lacking in omega-3, with modern diets having up to 30 times too much omega-6 and too little omega-3," Dr. Tarlton said. "Taking omega-3 will help redress this imbalance and may positively contribute to a range of other health problems such as heart disease and colitis."

According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder, and its pain and stiffness affect about 27 million Americans. Its cause is unknown, but it is associated with aging and is the result of the natural wear and tear on joints over the years. The symptoms usually appear in middle age, and almost everyone has symptoms by the age of 70.