[Fish oils and rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized and double-blind study]

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Clinical Nutrition
• Immunology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation.
• Current treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
• Dietary interventions, such as n-3 PUFA supplementation, are explored for their anti-inflammatory potential in RA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) supplementation on disease activity in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.
• To assess the impact of n-3 PUFA on various clinical and biochemical markers of RA.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, randomized, double-blind study involving 51 patients with active RA.
• Participants received 12 weeks of treatment with either n-3 PUFA capsules (3.6 g/day) or control capsules mimicking the Danish diet.
• Disease variables, including morning stiffness, joint tenderness, and C-reactive protein (CRP), were monitored.

Main Results:

• A modest but statistically significant improvement was observed in morning stiffness and joint tenderness.
• C-reactive protein levels showed a significant reduction in the n-3 PUFA group.
• No serious adverse events were reported during the 12-week intervention period.

Conclusions:

• Dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA demonstrates a modest beneficial effect on specific disease variables in active rheumatoid arthritis.
• N-3 PUFA supplementation appears to be a safe adjunctive therapy for managing RA symptoms.
• Further research may explore optimal dosing and long-term effects of n-3 PUFA in RA management.