Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder. According to Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid arthritis “typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.”
New research from the University of Florida shows that omega-3 helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis.
The research team set out to found if a higher omega-3 intake would help lower risk of RA.
As stated in the study press release:
“People with a family history of RA who consumed more omega-3 were less likely to have certain autoantibodies that precede the disease’s development, researchers found. Autoantibodies are immune proteins that mistakenly target the body’s tissues and organs.”
The research shows that omega-3 intake can help lower RA risk by inhibiting its development before symptoms start showing.
“If you’re consuming more omega-3 during an earlier phase of disease, you may block its progression to a phase where active inflammation manifests,” Michael J. Clare-Salzler, M.D.
Omega-3s are found in cold-water fish such as salmon and mackerel. They are also found in supplements like fish oil. However, food sources may not provide these benefits.
The researchers recommend a healthy, balanced diet including fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They also recommend taking 1 to 3 grams of fish oil per day.
The study showing that omega-2 helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis was published in the journal Rheumatology.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2016.
2. “Omega-3 Helps Ward off Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2016.
3. “Lower Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Associated with the Presence of Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Autoantibodies in a Population at Risk for Future Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Nested Case-control Study.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2016.
4. “Fish, Omega-3 Supplements May Lower Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk for Some People.” University of Florida Health. University of Florida, n.d. Web. 04 Jan. 2016.
5. “Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Oct. 2015. Web. 04 Jan. 2016.
