Posted on 10/17/2011 8:20:01 AM PDT by decimon
New research has shown for the first time that omega-3 in fish oil could "substantially and significantly" reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.
According to the University of Bristol study, funded by Arthritis Research UK and published in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, omega-3-rich diets fed to guinea pigs, which naturally develop osteoarthritis, reduced disease by 50 per cent compared to a standard diet.
The research is a major step forward in showing that omega-3 fatty acids, either sourced from fish oil or flax oil, may help to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, or even prevent it occurring, confirming anecdotal reports and "old wives' tales" about the benefits of fish oil for joint health.
Lead researcher Dr John Tarlton, from the Matrix Biology Research group at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences, said classic early signs of the condition, such as the degradation of collagen in cartilage and the loss of molecules that give it shock-absorbing properties, were both reduced with omega-3.
"Furthermore, 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," he said.
Dr Tarlton added: "The only way of being certain that the effects of omega-3 are as applicable to humans as demonstrated in guinea pigs is to apply omega-3 to humans. However, osteoarthritis in guinea pigs is perhaps the most appropriate model for spontaneous, naturally occurring osteoarthritis, and all of the evidence supports the use of omega-3 in human disease."
(Excerpt) Read more at eurekalert.org ...
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Very interesting!
I have inherited arthritis. I started taking omega-3 supplements for other reasons entirely, never even suspecting that they might have some effect on arthritis. The arthritis pain in my hands has completely gone away and I was wondering why; now I know. A recent visit to the doctor with lots of radiology informed me that I have arthritis in all sorts of places. No pain at all; had no idea that there was arthritis in my neck, spine, hip, etc. The doctor can’t understand why this stuff doesn’t hurt at all and I run around like a kid. Maybe the omega-3 supplement is why.
Now to figure out how much to give my horse, who is also developing arthritis...
My last cholesterol report came back high, I don't want to take meds but would rather do it with diet, excercise, and supplements.
Thanks
I am just taking some brand of fish oil I got at the local grocery store: each capsule has 520 mg of EPA and 350 mg of DPA, to be taken twice daily. My cholesterol is fabulous now. Good luck! This stuff is much better than taking statins.
Agree ... thank you.
It's a FReebie.
The green-lipped mussel has also been shown to have remarkable anti-inflammatory effects.
Yup. A good, high quality fish oil.
Very strong in it’s anti-inflammatory effects. Wouldn’t surprise me one bit if it helps lower LDL cholesterol also.
Carlsons Fish Oil.....NOT cod liver oil.....also, you may want to try Niacin for the hi cholesterol....the REAL stuff...yeah, you’ll have hot flushes at first....that tells you that you NEED it.....(PS...I have cholesterol RATIO’s to die for, according to my doc - I don’t worry about the total cholesterol)
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