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Omega-3 fatty acids shown to prevent or slow progression of osteoarthritis
University of Bristol ^ | October 17, 2011 | Unknown

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 ...


TOPICS: Food; Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: n3pufa; omega3; osteoarthritis

1 posted on 10/17/2011 8:20:06 AM PDT by decimon
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To: neverdem; DvdMom; grey_whiskers; Ladysmith; Roos_Girl; Silentgypsy; conservative cat; ...

Ping


2 posted on 10/17/2011 8:20:44 AM PDT by decimon
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To: decimon

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...


3 posted on 10/17/2011 9:12:21 AM PDT by ottbmare (off-the-track Thoroughbred mare)
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To: ottbmare
If I may ask ... What product(s) do you use?

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

4 posted on 10/17/2011 9:22:28 AM PDT by dartuser ("If you are ... what you were ... then you're not.")
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To: dartuser

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.


5 posted on 10/17/2011 9:31:34 AM PDT by ottbmare (off-the-track Thoroughbred mare)
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To: ottbmare

Agree ... thank you.


6 posted on 10/17/2011 9:32:57 AM PDT by dartuser ("If you are ... what you were ... then you're not.")
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To: ottbmare; decimon; dartuser
Regulation of osteoarthritis by omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in a naturally occurring model of disease

It's a FReebie.

7 posted on 10/19/2011 2:47:24 PM PDT by neverdem (Xin loi minh oi)
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To: decimon

The green-lipped mussel has also been shown to have remarkable anti-inflammatory effects.


8 posted on 10/19/2011 2:54:52 PM PDT by Lizavetta (You get what you tolerate)
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To: ottbmare; dartuser

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.


9 posted on 10/19/2011 2:59:16 PM PDT by djf (Soon you will need a prescription for EVERY SINGLE VITAMIN.)
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10 posted on 10/19/2011 3:52:44 PM PDT by TheOldLady (FReepmail me to get ON or OFF the ZOT LIGHTNING ping list)
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To: dartuser

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)


11 posted on 10/19/2011 6:42:59 PM PDT by goodnesswins (My Kid/Grandkids are NOT your ATM, liberals! (Sarah Palin))
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