I have rheumatoid arthritis, my finger joints are often stiff and swollen in the morning. Is omega-3 supplementation good for people with arthritis? How should I supplement? (Quoc Thai, Ca Mau)
Reply:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which immune cells mistakenly attack the synovial membrane of the joint, triggering inflammation. The disease manifests itself in small joints, causing swelling, pain, morning stiffness, and pain radiating to the surrounding area. The destruction of articular cartilage causes limited movement and even joint deformity.
There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and control the disease. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms and reduce the dosage of medications used to treat it.
Omega-3 fatty acids containing EPA and DHA have the ability to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 (mediators of rheumatoid arthritis). EPA and DHA alter immune responses relevant to pathophysiology, including T cell responses, decreased reactive oxygen species by leukocytes, and decreased production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages.
You can get omega-3s daily from fatty fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, tuna, and supplements as advised by your doctor or the manufacturer. Overdoing it can cause nausea, rashes, heartburn, diarrhea, and a fishy aftertaste.
However, it may take 3 months or more before you feel any benefit to your arthritis.
Omega-3 is naturally found in seafood, especially fatty fish. Photo: Freepik
You should have regular check-ups or when symptoms start to get severe so that your doctor can advise you on treatment. You may also need to take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
You need to eat nutritious food, avoid foods high in salt and sugar, drink enough water. You should not use tobacco and alcohol, maintain a moderate weight, and exercise 30 minutes a day.
Supplementing nutrients that affect the inflammatory process in joints such as undenatured collagen type 2 and hydrolyzed collagen peptide, turmeric root, chondroitin sulfate, eggshell membrane... can reduce symptoms and limit disease recurrence.
Doctor Hoang Quyet Tien
Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City
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